Killearn Tutors and Killearn Tuition

Personal Description:
I graduated from Cambridge University with a BA in English Literature, and then from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, graduating with a BA in acting, where I was the recipient of the Noel Coward Scholarship from 2008-2011. In July 2011 I won the Michael Bryant Award at the National Theatre, for verse speaking and Shakespeare.

When I'm not acting or tutoring I can be found in the plumbing, plastering, kitchen or grappling with a cryptic crossword.

CURRENT AVAILABLE SLOTS: 9-10am + 10-11am Sundays, weekly.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a private tutor since 2008.

Currently tutoring students in: 8+, 10+ & 11+ preparation (all four subjects); GCSE Maths. Adult English and pronunciation skills.

Previously: English - KS1, KS2, 7+ (Successful entry to Highgate), 11+ (Successful entry to, Haberdashers' Askes Boys, Trinity, City of London School for Boys, Alleyn's, St Alban's), A Level (A at A Level English and Extended English). Maths - KS1, KS2, 7+, 11+, 13+ (successful entry to Oundle, Haberdashers' Askes Boys), GCSE (grade improved from D to A*). University application assistance (Successful entry to Durham and Oxford). English as a foreign language - including public speaking and native pronunciation and grammar for business professionals.

During my gap year I spent some time as a special needs classroom assistant, working closely with a child with Asperger's Syndrome. This involved facilitating the social and academic change between primary and secondary education on a one-to-one basis.

Also at this time I ran Welsh language games sessions for primary children in non-first-language schools to improve and encourage their use of the language outside of the classroom environment.

Whilst at secondary school I taught reading skills to children who had low reading-ages.

I wrote a thesis on the connections between Maths and acting whilst at Guildhall.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is tailored to the individual's needs; firstly finding ways of fully explaining a concept, then cementing them with useful and memorable material to build students' confidence. My main objective would be to aid the student in understanding not only the specifics of the work but also the broader aspects of it, which I believe provides a truer grounding in - and enjoyment of - a subject. By making the work useful and enjoyable, and by finding alternative and effective approaches to study, I hope that my tuition will shed new light on subjects for students.

My passion is building confidence and fostering resilient approaches to problem solving.

I specialise in tutoring Maths and particularly enjoy helping those students whose confidence in the subject has become a barrier to their learning and enjoyment of the subject.

Previous Students' Comments:

'Before I met Alex, as a dyslexic, I was academically unconfident and dreaded having tutors who had never really helped me before. Alex tutored me from Year 8 to 11 and she completely changed my attitude to studying, helped me develop my organisational skills and gave me a huge amount of confidence in my abilities. As I approached GCSEs she tutored me particularly in Maths where I was struggling with a D grade. Without her expert tuition I doubt I would have been able to achieve my A* in Maths.

I think Alex is an amazing tutor because she has an extraordinary talent for making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience to the extent I would genuinely look forward to our lessons. Alex was far more than a tutor to me, helping me through such formative teenage years. I consider her a friend.'

- Tally

'Alex is a truly outstanding and gifted tutor as well as a fantastic person. I have very much enjoyed being her student for over six months, and have not only learnt a lot due to her expertise and impressive knowledge but also grew to love English Literature because of the inspirational nature of her tutoring. Previously, I used to constantly struggle with my assignments since English is not my first language, however, after a few weeks of sessions with Alex my grades and confidence significantly improved. She has an ability to keep the lessons varied and interesting; always well prepared for lessons - she was kind enough to provide me with extremely useful books and personal notes. Her incredible dedication and hard working nature also deserves mentioning as she was willing to help me even in the evenings when I was panicking about coursework and the approaching exams. With Alex's assistance and firm confidence in my ability I have achieved a high A in my A-level English Literature and even a merit award in Extended English. I would enthusiastically recommend Alex to anyone who wants to succeed in their exams and learn heaps of interesting information.

- Natasza (Graduated with an MA from Oxford University)

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Personal Description:
I am a highly trained, experienced, self motivated and flexible individual with excellent organisational/interpersonal and communication skills, able to operate at all levels, with students from all backgrounds and nationalities.
I began my Photographic career over twenty years ago, then slowly slipped into Film making as a natural progression.
I have shot photographic projects and films all over the world, and have been an ambassador representing several schools, colleges and universities whilst involved in this work.

Teaching Experience:
I have over twenty years of Photography and Film making experience, working abroad to shoot several short films in Prague, Paris, Africa and China. I have worked with both African and Chinese students in their countries, shooting a variety of Photographic and Film projects, having spent three months, and one month in these respective countries.

I have over twenty years of teaching/training experience in various establishments, Schools, Colleges, Universities, and with various council's throughout the Midlands. I have over twenty years of experience of dealing with a wide variety of students , from various backgrounds. I have worked with students of all ages, from primary school, to adult students in their eighties!
I have worked with people from mental health units, drug rehabilitation centres, and the probation services, using the creative media and arts as a form of therapy to bring about positive change.

Over twenty years of writing and delivering bespoke re-engagement training courses in a wide variety of areas (including photography, film making, digital imaging, film and media studies, literacy, numeracy, preparation for work training, CV writing, personal motivation and decision making), to disenfranchised, marginalised students.

Excellent computer/I.T. skills using a wide range of high end/professional software for video editing, image manipulation and audio visual presentations/performances.
Extensive experience of curriculum development, development of schemes of work, child protection policies, professional practices, and internal verification of work using assessment criteria from a multitude of awarding bodies.
I have been associated with UK Tutors since 2005.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to teaching is a very relaxed, informal one, giving the student ample opportunity to attempt things for themselves, and to allow them to flex their own creative and mental muscles with support and guidance where necessary.
Students are allowed to be themselves, feel relaxed , comfortable, to be able to make mistakes, without the pressure of being surrounded by or judged by their peers.
I often use projects to reinforce creative ideas or techniques, so that students begin to create their own portfolio's of their photographic work or video clips that they can use to create a show reel.

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Personal Description:
Background
I am a qualified teacher with over 22 years teaching experience. The work has included the following:
Class teaching - the full curriculum
Small group teaching - taking small groups of pupils in school who require extra assistance with Maths and English.
Private Tuition - Maths and English KS2
Private Tuition - Maths KS3 GCSE Foundation Level (Years 7 and 8).
In addition, I have worked between a variety of schools tutoring pupils on a 121 basis who require extra support and assistance to enable them to catch up with their peers.

Teaching Experience:
Over 15 years private tutoring experience tutoring pupils of a wide range of ability in their own homes after school. This has included assisting children both with their Maths and English KS2.
I also tutor Maths KS3 GCSE Foundation Level for Years 7 and 8.

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring style is to concentrate on building pupils confidence through use of encouragement and praise. During the initial lessons my intention is to quickly discover gaps in the pupils understanding as well as gaining insight into the most appropriate teaching methods that are likely to be effective. With this understanding I build an appropriate programme of work in order to deal with the gaps and the weak areas of understanding.

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Personal Description:
I am a professional artist and Art Tutor/Coach/Mentor. A graduate of The Royal College of Art in 1999 with an MA in Painting, with solo and group exhibitions including The National Portrait Gallery and The Royal Academy of Arts, London. I teach, tutor, and mentor young people and adults, and I organize and deliver tailor-made art programmes supporting communication and wellbeing for individual's and group's development.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching and mentoring young people and adults, all levels up to Master degree since 1994. My deep knowledge of the arts and extensive experience, has produced a simple and comprehensive system, which inspires a student to follow and achieve their highest potential fast. Very effective and resourceful teaching at meeting deadlines, creating portfolios, improvising last-minute interventions, preparing for exhibitions and art competitions, et al.

Since 2007 and in parallel to my private teaching, I have been working with various organizations, as a Tutor/Mentor and an Education Advisor, on one to one basis and in groups, organizing and delivering tailor-made art programmes for individuals and groups of vulnerable people: young people with complex needs such as physical or learning disabilities and/or with behavioural challenges, in collaboration with their families or carers, people experiencing addictions and/or mental health distress, ex offenders, et al.

Tutoring Approach:
I have developed a simple and clear system ensuring fast personal achievements in drawing and painting. Additionally, I use a variety of techniques in personal and group development workshops, such as sketches, active listening, role-play, motivational phrases, body movements, group resolving exercises, et al.

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Personal Description:
I am a retired police officer who has retrained as an EFL teacher. My main interests are my rescue dog, swimming, music, reading, cinema, concerts and travel. As a person I am empathic, patient and kind. I am interested in current affairs both in the UK and worldwide.

Teaching Experience:
During my career I spent 5 years teaching IT in industry. As a police officer I spent 7 years in the Training Department teaching IT as well as Communications Skills, First Aid, Law and Force Policy.

Since retiring I have passed a CELTA course and have taught English in Vietnam for 3 months and Mexico for 4 months as well as a short contract in a high school in Austria. In the UK I have taught at a residential Easter School and two residential Summer Schools, teaching children and adults of all ages and from beginner to advanced level. During 2021 I volunteered teaching online for my previous employer in Vietnam as they were in lockdown for a considerable time and value having a native English speaker working with them.

Tutoring Approach:
I apply to tutoring the same skills that I have used during my extensive time as a trainer - I motivate by encouragement, patience and praise, and use a teaching approach that will suit the learning style of my student. I also enforce strict deadlines and standards in order to maximise the learner's gain from the teaching time and to ensure that they use their study time wisely and efficiently. My attitude towards learners is that the only silly question is the one which they want to ask but don't, and that if they do not understand something then it requires me to explain it in a different way. I believe that if a learner enjoys their study they will gain a lot more from it, so endeavour to make lessons and tasks interesting and relevant.

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Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified teacher of mathematics currently in full time employment in a Coventry Secondary School.

I have Bachelor degree in Mathematics and Statistics from Coventry University and Postgraduate Certificate of Education from Warwick University.

Teaching Experience:
I have 11 year teaching experience including 2 year experience as a Maths tutor at Coventry University.

Tutoring Approach:
I ensures that pupils develop fluent technical proficiency and think deeply about the underpinning mathematical concepts.
I provide homework and resources according to the new curriculum to support student in order to achieve their target grade.

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Personal Description:
I deliver maths courses since 2009 in Romania and UK. I am a friendly person and all my students successful passed their exams with my help.

Teaching Experience:
2009 - 2011 - maths teacher in Romania 11-16 years old up to A level
2013- present teaching GCSE maths to 16+ students and adylts

Tutoring Approach:
I am opened to all kind of topics and anytimeduring the evening or weekends

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Personal Description:
I`m a trained teacher, journalist and translator offering English lessons for students, executives and academics in the Peterborough area. I am particularly well-suited for helping with English for professional and business situations, writing, interview and communication skills. I hold a CELTA certificate for teaching English with an A pass grade. Having previously lived in Italy for six years and taught there, I have a lot of experience teaching English to Italian speakers, but I am open to students from anywhere. I have spent time in several European countries and understand the challenges faced when trying to pick up or perfect a foreign language. Lessons can be held at my house in central Cambridge, at an office/location in town, or remotely on Skype. Quoted price is for students who travel to me, and those I teach online. Additional costs apply if I travel to a student's location.

Teaching Experience:
Three years of experience teaching English as a foreign language to individuals and groups of up to 12 people.

CELTA certificate for teaching English as a foreign language.

Tutoring Approach:
I tailor the lessons around the requirements of the student. I like to do as much conversation as possible, and work on grammar points that come up along the way. As I am a trained journalist I often incorporate discussions of articles and current affairs into the sessions, and I am good at helping students with interview practice and communication skills.

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Personal Description:
I'm a well-qualified teacher with working experience as an Accountant in the private sector. I have completed PhD in Accounting and Finance at the University of Glasgow in 2017. In addition, I have completed BSc in Accounting (Special) Degree from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka and MSc in Accounting & Finance from the University of Dundee (obtained Distinction). I have also completed the Associations of Accounting Technicians, Sri Lanka and the Intermediate Level of Institute of Chartered Accountants (Sri Lanka). I can teach you financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, corporate finance and finance subjects for AAT, ACCA, undergraduate and MSc levels. I am specialising to guide research and research-related subjects. Therefore, I can help you to guide you for PhD, MSc and BSC research proposals and dissertations/ thesis.

Teaching Experience:
A committed Accounting Teacher with over 20 years of experience at leading UK and overseas academic institutions teaching students from various social and cultural backgrounds. I have experience in teaching following subjects;

Financial Accounting
Management Accounting
Auditing
Finance and corporate finance
Research method ( proposal development)
Dissertation supervision
I have also experienced in supervising dissertation supervision for undergraduate and postgraduate level students.

Tutoring Approach:
I used relevant teaching materials such as textbooks, presentations, videos and journal articles to prepare the presentations and conduct the tutorials. I utilise technology in delivering tutorials to the students. In addition, I actively leading class discussions and encouraging debate among the students. I take real-life examples in delivering the lectures to provide an in-depth understanding of the subject related matters. I have focused on conducting innovative research which provides a significant contribution to the field as well as the theory. I utilised videos, case studies, online discussions (through Moodle).

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

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

Tutoring Approach:
Teams online or face to face.

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Personal Description:
I'm looking forward to taking on some new students!

I have a very strong grasp of English, as shown by my first class degree in English language and literature from Oxford University. I also work as a freelance copyeditor and proofreader, often helping writers for whom English is a foreign language. Because of my background, I am particularly good at teaching English for academic purposes, and teaching writing skills, but I will be happy to focus on whatever you want to learn.

Teaching Experience:
In 2019, I graduated from a CELTA course (Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Since then I have also taken courses in Teaching English Online, and How to Teach IELTS. In summer 2019 I taught at International House and Oxford Intensive School of English (OISE). I also started teaching freelance 1:1 in that year. In 2020 and 2021, I was employed as an Assistant Professor at Heriot-Watt University, teaching an online pre-sessional course in English for Academic Purposes. I did a similar job in 2022 at Coventry University.

Tutoring Approach:
I will ask you about your learning needs so I can plan and prepare lessons to suit you.

I particularly enjoy communicative and task-based teaching, where you learn by speaking and listening, reading and writing about things that are important to you, and you practice for real-life activities using English. I can help you gain the vocabulary, grammar, and skills you need for all this.

I can take students from all around the world. While the pandemic continues I will be teaching online only. (Otherwise, I would also teach in person, in Bristol, UK).

I teach adults (age 18 and above).

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Personal Description:
Hello my name is Anne-Marie, I am from Ireland but have been living in the UK since 2004. This is now a place I call home. I realised I had a flare for imparting knowledge when I became a basketball trainer at 15, working with Primary and Secondary pupils. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, saw the progress the pupils I trained had made and knew from that moment that teaching was my vocation as it was and is so rewarding. I now have a 5 year old son who loves reading and writing. He can articulate himself well and it's truly a joy to see. It's amazing the wonder a child sees in learning.

Teaching Experience:
From September this year I have been teaching English, Geography and RE at Beckfoot School in Bingley. I am a tutor as well (GCSE English, KS3 English, Maths and Science). As well as that, I am an EAL teacher to Chinese children online. In the past I have taught English up to GCSE at Laisterdyke Leadership Academy and English and French at Pudsey Grangefield School. In addition to this, l have taught Spanish and French at Carr Manor Community School. I taught the same subjects at St. Bede's and St. Joseph's Catholic College in Bradford from September 2017 to May 2018. Prior to that I was teaching French and Spanish at Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School (formerly a Language College). In addition, I assisted students to prepare for the GCSE German exam. As well as my teaching responsibilities, my pastoral duties included being a Year 10 form tutor. From February to December 2016, I was a teacher of French at Key Stage 3, Spanish at Key Stages 3 and 4 and was responsible for a Year 9 form at Queensbury School. From September 2015 to January 2016, I taught German at Key Stages 3 and 4 and French at Key Stage 3 at Oakbank School in Keighley. I previously worked at Rastrick High School and Sixth Form College where I was a teacher of French at Key Stage 3 and Spanish at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5. I also taught German and PSHCE to Year 9 students, and Accelerated Reading to Year 7 pupils. Four years ago, I was a Year 11 form tutor. This role entailed planner signing, reading and guiding pupils on college and career choices as well as helping them with exam revision skills. During registration, I covered some PSHCE topics and encouraged my tutees to write reviews on the books they were reading in order to find out more about their interests and consequently get to know them better. My form was involved in fundraising activities and have participated in assemblies. As well as that, I have mentored a PGCE student on how to become a form tutor and in addition I had a GTP student in my Key Stage 3 and 4 Spanish classes. In 2015 whilst on maternity leave, I taught Spanish to Years 2 and 6 and French to Years 3 and 4 at a local Primary School on a voluntary basis.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to use an approach that suits the students I teach. I discuss what needs they have and what their interests are and work from there. I like to be well-prepared yet flexible when necessary. I like to do kineasthetic activities to keep the students engaged in their learning and use a variety of resources to enable my students to gain as much confidence when speaking, reading writing etc.

I also create an environment where my students feel safe and at ease when learning meaning they are not afraid to make mistakes and are keen to build on this and see that mistakes are evidence of effort.

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Personal Description:
I am very passionate about languages and cultures. I am fluent in both Mandarin and English and have been teaching Mandarin for the last 10 years. My other big passions are travelling and learning all sorts of things new. I am looking forward to sharing my love of the Chinese language with you.

Teaching Experience:
I cover all four elements of language teaching syllabus, including listening, speaking, reading and writing.

I am keen to figure out why students learn Mandarin and how they learn as a person. Based on their individual goals and their learning styles, I will come up with customized study plans for them to follow in order to achieve their goals.

Tutoring Approach:
I am very passionate about helping students discover their own ways of learning and developing their own techniques. I believe in consistency in learning. A little bit everyday is proven effective in the long term for both academic and language learnings.

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Personal Description:
I am a Musician and Music Performer that has been teaching for 7 years as instrumental tutor as well as delivering sessions for primary classroom. The instruments I teach are clarinet, recorder, saxophone, piano. As well as offering tuition in ABRSM Music Theory up to Grade 5. I teach all ages 5 to 99 it is never too late to start learning! I also happily teach those who haven't played in a long time and are looking to get back into their instrument and enjoying playing again.

As a freelance musician I enjoy orchestral, chamber and pit work, whilst also exploring solo repertoire for clarinet and recorders. I am an enthusiastic educator and participates in outreach projects in schools and elderly settings.

Charlotte holds an M. Perf and M. Mus in Orchestral Artistry with Distinction and a First Class B.Mus (Hons) Classical Clarinet and Recorders awarded by The Guildhall School of Music and Drama (GSMD). She is also the recipient of the Chairman's Prize for 2019.

Teaching Experience:
I have been privately teaching music since 2013 in one on one lessons and small groups. Since 2014 I have worked with Newham Music Hub as a Woodwind Specialist Teacher (Clarinet, Recorder, Saxophone, Flute) and Piano teacher. I deliver these sessions one to one, small group and in whole class settings with students aged 5 - 20. I also deliver General Musicianship Classes and Early Years Sessions to students both in and out of school. I also have experience with SEN/D students and have worked with them to enjoy and access music in a way that suits them.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that music should first and foremost be enjoyed. I work with the student to ensure they are getting the most out of lessons in a manor that suits them and their learning styles. Learning an instrument should be grounded in good technique and I ensure that my students are comfortable with all techniques appropriate to their level.
I also prepare students for exams if requested as it is a great goal and point of reference for where they are in their progression and gives a wonderful sense of achievement.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I am a native speaker from Shanghai, China. I am a qualified experienced Mandarin teacher for speakers of other languages with 10 years' experience. I love teaching Mandarin, my passion are to make Mandarin learning fun easy and effective and explore Chinese culture, food and travel.

I I am very patient, fun, creative and easy-going. I like cooking, traveling, movies, listening to music, different cultures, learning dance and instruments, riding bikes, interior design, gardening, going to the theatre…

Teaching Experience:
I have 10 years teaching experience of Mandarin for the speakers of other languages. I have worked in Chinese Language schools, bilingual kindergardens and a private tutor in China, Australia and the UK.

My students are from all over the world from 2 to 65 years old.

I love teaching Chinese to help students to achieve Chinese language aim, learn more about China, Chinese cultures, Chinese, help students to adapt to life in China and explore fascinating cultures from the wise human being.

It is a truly rewarding job to see students improve, get confident in using Chinese and adapt to China's life well.

I am offering

Beginner level
Intermediate level
Advanced level
Business Mandarin
Travel mandarin
Survival mandarin
Tailored mandarin
Listening and Speaking
Writing
Pronunciation Correction
HSK
Chinese Culture
Chinese Characters

Tutoring Approach:
I use a task-based method and a variety of teaching methods that depend on your Chinese language goal and your learning styles, we can discuss what learning styles best suit you. I will try my best to teach and guide you, develop your interest and be self-motivated, reach Chinese language goal. If you want to improve your speaking and listening, I will use 80%-100% Mandarin and encourage you speak Mandarin as much as possible during the class.



I am offering group classes, 1 on 2 classes and 1 on 1 classes. Feel free to contact me :) Cheers

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Personal Description:
I am an enthusiastic teacher of Physics with 17 years` experience. I enjoy hill walking and off road cycling. I am married with a son living away from home. I specialise in teaching A Level Physics and Cambridge Pre-U and have experience with all examination boards and with both A and B specifications.

Before becoming a teacher I had a wide experience of industry and also worked in two university departments: Trinity College Dublin as a Physics Lecturer and Durham University as a Computer Science lecturer.

Teaching Experience:
I have spent most of my career in industry and left to train as a teacher in 2003 years ago. I taught KS4 and KS5 Physics at Emmanuel College and was Head of Physics at Barnard Castle school. Since my partial retirement I have taught Physics at Durham High School for girls in 2019 and 2020. I have now retired from full time employment and am available throughout the working day and in the evening to provide online tuition.

Tutoring Approach:
I always aim to build a warm and friendly relationship with my students. In my online lessons I typically spend about half the time reviewing the subject material and the rest of the time in working through questions with the student. I use an online whiteboard and send a copy of the notes from the session to the student. I generally supply additional work to be completed for the next session, although this is optional and depends on individual needs.

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Personal Description:
I am a highly experienced and qualified teacher of English as a foreign/second language with 25 years of teaching groups and individuals from beginners to advanced, children to adults, in universities, languages schools and online all around the world. I aim to improve fluency and my classes are interesting and fun because they focus on you, your interests and your environment. For this reason I prefer you to have an intermediate level at the very least so that we can converse and enjoy ourselves!

Teaching Experience:
I have taught all ages and levels in universities and language schools in the U.K.,France and Spain. I taught in a post A-Level business school in Montpellier, France. In Reims, France I was a teacher of English at the faculty of Technology and Science.
I specialised in Business and Advanced English in a Spanish language school and was a Cambridge examiner for 13 years.
I taught management and staff English for the Hotel Industry in a 5-star resort in Laos.
I taught English to children and teenagers at a summer Sailing and English course at a sailing club in Barcelona.
I now teach online and have students from countries as diverse as Brazil, Turkey, Poland and Taiwan. I use Skype as a platform. Classes are 55 minutes.
I teach adults but also adolescents (£10 for half-hour sessions)
I offer a 15-minute free class to see if we can work happily together.

Tutoring Approach:
The class is as open and free as you or I make it. Conversation can turn to literature, film, music or discussions about our lives. There is great respect and kindness on my part. I am curious to get to know you as a person, your culture and likes and dislikes. I am sociable and likeable. I am always in a good mood, bubbly and smiling. I correct your grammar and write all new vocabulary and expressions in the chat so you can look over it after the class. I only revise or teach grammar points if I feel it's necessary or you ask for it. Most people have studied grammar but now need to use it by speaking! This is a fluency class and I aim to make you fluent! I guarantee you will enjoy yourself and time will fly by!

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Personal Description:
I'm 55 years old, married with two children and three grandchildren. I'm patient and personable, relaxed and professional. My hobbies currently revolve around entertaining my young grandchildren, and reading and gaming when I have time. I am also a part-time pastor of a small Christian church in Southport.

I attended Liverpool John Moores University as a mature student and was awarded a first class degree in English Literature and American Studies. I subsequently completed a PGCE course at the University of Liverpool and qualified as a secondary school teacher in 2000.

Teaching Experience:
For 23 years, I was a member of the English Department at Sacred Heart Catholic College (now Academy) in Crosby, Liverpool. In that time, I taught students from 11-18 and gained experience in whole class teaching and individual and small group tuition. I helped develop schemes of work and lesson plans, and was also a head of year for three years. For many years, I ran after school clubs including a role playing group and a school fiction magazine.

Since 2023, I have been working as a supply teacher at a range of schools in the area, including a year-long stint at Meols Cop High School in Southport from September 2024-July 2025.

Tutoring Approach:
I have had limited experience of private tutoring, but my approach is to assess tutees' strengths and weaknesses through fairly straightforward baselining and focused questioning. Once areas for improvement have been identified, more specific activities will be designed depending on the needs of the tutee. These will invariably involve practice of some kind - whether of writing or reading skills - followed by a discussion of how to improve.

English is a more skills-based than knowledge-based subject. In my experience, most students are well aware of the areas in which they need more help, but struggle with how to develop those areas - precisely because they are not something which can be addressed simply by acquiring or reinforcing knowledge. Having a tutor to talk to helps - to identify and improve those skills which students need to succeed. My aim is to provide practical, easily understood advice, tailored to the tutee's unique circumstances and structured to give them confidence in the subject.

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