Mitcheldean Tutors and Mitcheldean Tuition

Personal Description:
Hi, I have always had a love for languages and would love to instil you with the same enthusiasm. After having lived abroad as part of my degree, I then graduated with a BA Hons Degree Class 2.1 in Modern Languages (German, French and Italian), after which I obtained my Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). After teaching, I also worked for International companies, using my languages extensively by liaising with customers and colleagues overseas and also translating and interpreting. I have always kept my languages fresh by reading foreign literature and keeping in touch with German / French friends. I am mother to 4 children, but even after my children were born, I continued to do some freelance translation. As a mother and as a teacher, I know the importance of patience and how important it is to make learning worthwhile, enjoyable and fun!

Teaching Experience:
After qualifying as a Languages teacher, I have taught German and French in a Comprehensive School to the 11-18 age group. I have tutored teenagers and adults privately in both German and French. I have also provided French classes in one of the International companies I worked for.

Tutoring Approach:
I can offer a learning program which is specifically tailored to suit the individuals needs, whatever the level of knowledge or ability. If required, lessons can be adapted to focus on specific areas such as grammar or conversation practice. My experience in using languages in a business setting also means that I am also well placed to teach lanuages to adults for business purposes. I am a perfectionist and will strive to offer the best tuition possible, by thorough preparation and the use of a variety of learning materials and approaches. If required homework can be set to consolidate knowledge learnt. I want your learning to be productive and engaging. It can open a window into foreign culture and soon you will realise how much fun it is to be able to communicate in another language.

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Personal Description:
Hello, I am a private tutor available for one-to-one tuition in GCSE and A/AS-Level Maths and Physics, including remote online tuition.

I have a degree in Physics from Imperial College and a Masters in Astrophysics. I have a passion for these subjects and I love teaching others. I am a young and friendly tutor with an approach that students find relaxing and rewarding.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored privately for over 15 years in Bath and London - a cumulative of over 25000 hours of one-to-one lessons. I also teach GCSE and A-level Physics, Maths and Further Maths at a Bath tutorial college.

Tutoring Approach:
I aim to provide a friendly and enthusiastic environment for learning. A relaxed student is key to productive learning.

The lessons are focused on the needs of the student, which we set out in the first lesson and are continually adaptable. I like to be organised and keep the student fully aware of their bigger learning picture.

Everyone is welcome. I have very flexible hours and can travel to you if you're not too far or you to me.

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Personal Description:
'Talented', 'inspiring', 'fun', 'a wealth of knowledge'...Majority of people enjoyed my lessons and fell in love with Chinese language. I am a smart Mandarin video creator and have composed 9 Mandarin learning books.

I have been teaching and training since 2009 and gained excellent testimonials. I have taught and trained over a thousand people from all backgrounds, including Defence Academy of UK, BP Technology Centre, Logicalis, The Said Business School, The European School at Culham and much more.

My specialisation in the teaching of Mandarin is designing structured and logical material and various activities in order to make learning enjoyable and achievable. I have developed inspiring and motivational teaching strategies. Some learners could be able to grasp Mandarin skills in 30 hours.

I enjoy teaching all levels, including GCSE, A Level, IB, university level and business Chinese.

I have good communication, organisation, planning and management skills with a sense of humour.

Thank you and enjoy learning Mandarin.

Teaching Experience:
Career Summary

June 2011 to present
Managing Director at MOLAES (Modern Oriental Language, Academic and Enterprise Services)
Clients including BP, Logicalis, P2i, Academy of Defence of UK, LPA Channel Electric, Said Business School, The
Taylor & Francis Group, European School at Culham, St. Hugh's Prep School and St Edward School in Oxford etc.

February 2012 to Present
Part-time Mandarin Teacher The Downe House

February 2011 to August 2011
Temporary Part-time Mandarin Teacher St. Bartholomew's School, Newbury

September 2009 to present
Permanent Part time Language Tutor Oxfordshire Adult Learning, Oxfordshire

February 2010 to Present
Contract Part-time Mandarin Tutor St. George International Foreign Languages
Directors Languages, Buckinghamshire
Professional Language Solutions
Simon & Simon Language School

I have been delivering Mandarin course to all levels and ages. My specialisation is designing
structured and logical material and wide ranges of activities to making learning enjoyable and achievable.

Each of my courses is tailored to needs of the students, beginning with developing their Individual Learning Plan and defining their Personal Learning Style. I also encourage my student to provide feedback and assessment of each lesson so that I can monitor my teaching style as I am always looking for ways to improve.

My goal is always to deliver teaching in a style which engages my students and makes learning interesting and fun.

Tutoring Approach:
Various approaches to meet the different learning styles.

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Personal Description:
Mature family man. Focused on results. Physics degree from Imperial, London; PGCE in Physics and Science from Kings, London. I am up to date with the AQA, OCR and Edexcel A-level syllabuses in Maths and Physics. I offer a personalized, reliable, high quality tutoring experience.

Teaching Experience:
Over 20 years' teaching experience from KS2 to A-level Maths and Physics. Full time private tutor since 2018. I have achieved consistently good or excellent results at all levels, both online and in person, for more than 10 years.

Tutoring Approach:
Happy to host or tutor online, as preferred by tutee. Rates the same either way. Flexible and responsive approach. Please see my feedback for further information.

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

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

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

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified and registered NHS doctor. A skilled medical professional who is deeply passionate about education.
I have an easy going and laid-back personality.
I'm a Mum to an energetic little boy and enjoy hobbies like outdoor walks and quality family time.

Teaching Experience:
My journey began by teaching primary and high school students after college. I continued this path into university, where I mentored younger students. With four years of post-graduate clinical experience as a registered NHS doctor, I aim to leverage my expertise to educate and support others.

Tutoring Approach:
I tailor my teaching approach to match the learning style of my students, whether it's visual, auditory, or reading-based. Regular knowledge assessments ensure comprehension, and I'm flexible in adjusting my teaching style to suit your needs.

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Personal Description:
ONLINE OR Face to face LESSONS AVAILABLE & FIRST LESSON FREE - .

Qualified teacher for over 15 years, including GCSE A Level KS3 Also delivering the oral part of exams.

As a speaker of four languages I know what it feels like to be a student as well as a teacher, so I like to ensure my lessons are not boring but also not just fun and no learning development happens.

I have a purpose designed classroom in my house, with whiteboards etc and a wealth of teaching material, a real teaching environment encourages good learning.

Teaching Experience:
From 2017 to date I have had many students pass GCSE and A-Levels.

Since 2015 I have also been teaching Mandarin at a local private school.

In August 2015 I travelled to Beijing to undertake further teacher training at the Beijing Language & Culture University, as I feel it is important to not become complacent and look to learn new methods and techniques.

2006-date Having moved to the UK I have taught at BBC Worldwide, London Conversation Piece, Basingstoke Queen Mary College, as well as numerous one to one classes for adults and children of all levels from holiday conversations, academic like GCSE & A Levels and professional usage such as legal, museums etc.

2001-2005 Qualified as a Mandarin teacher at the Taipei Langauge Insitute and taught people from the UK, USA, Japan and numerous other countries.

Tutoring Approach:
Every student is different so whilst my all classes cover the basics, they all are developed to personally meet your requirements and expectations.

I use various teaching methods, such as role play, newspapers, television episodes, even a trip to Chinese restaurant as well as a variety of text books and mock tests.

I will explain the grammar and how culture effects the language.

I speak with the standard correct Chinese pronunciation and use both simplified and traditional characters and even classical.

It is important to me that you both enjoy the classes but also see your Chinese develop.
Naturally lessons will cover, talking, reading, writing, listening

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Personal Description:
I am a Mandarin speaker. I studied in UK since 2013. I got my Master Degree from the University of Manchester. The subject is Electrical Engineering. I have lots of hobbies, football, basketball, magic tricks, dancing salsa and travelling. In my opinion, life is limited, but the quality depends on how you spend it. I am looking for a cool life expenrience and would love to share it with friends.

Teaching Experience:
I taught Mandarin to a British guy for 4 months.

Tutoring Approach:
The most important thing about learning a different language is passion. I would rather teach student Chinese from the area they are interested into than routine staff. For example, their hobbies, favourite movies, musics, sports and so forth. As far as I concerned, enthusiasm is essential not only for teacher but also for student. Also, I would use creative approach to teach Mandarin by hanging out in Chinatown, Chinese supermarket so as to give them a practival experience of learning a different language and have a deep understanding both Mandarian and Chinese culture. After student have passion on learning a different language, I will teach them Mandarin according to different sceneries, for example, topics regarding food, weather and so on.

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Personal Description:
I am an English teacher and tutor with 20 years of experience of teaching one-to-one and in classrooms to children of all ages and adults. I have taught children from aged 3, and classes of adults with up to 75 students! I teach all levels from beginner to proficiency. Full CRB certificate, MA Applied Linguistics, BA Hons Modern Language Studies.

Teaching Experience:
Southgate and Barnet College of Further Education, London
September 2013 - June 2014
• CAE Advanced English

English Support and Study Skills Tutor - South London College Woolwich London
October 2009 - September 2013
• English Support
• Pre-sessional English
• Study Skills
• Business English
• Exam Classes: IELTS, FCE, KET, PET

Teacher of English as a Foreign Language - University of Westminster London
July 2011 - August 2011
• Pre-intermediate TEFL teacher (summer school)

Teacher of English as a Foreign Language - Shakespeare College London
March 2009 - October 2009
• Upper Intermediate and Advanced General English
• IELTS

Teacher of English as a Foreign Language - Lite College Bayswater London
January 2008 - March 2009
• General English
• Beginners to Advanced

Sales and Office Manager - Log World 134 South Street Romford
May 2005 - January 2008
• Liaising with customers and companies worldwide
• Responsible for sales and the efficient running of the office

Teacher of English as a Foreign Language - East London School of English Whitechapel London
February 2004 - April 2005
• Beginners to Proficiency
• IELTS
Teacher of English as a Foreign Language - English for Kids Guadalajara Mexico
January 2002 - January 2004
• TEFL teacher for children aged 4-18

Teacher of English as a Foreign Language - IBM El Salto Mexico
February 2003 - August 2003
• General English Intermediate course for Management
• Responsible for course design and materials

Teacher of English as a Foreign Language - International Language Academy London
September 2000- September 2001
• General English all levels
• IELTS
• Business English

Teacher of English as a Foreign Language - Southwark College London
May 2001 - September 2001
• ESOL Tutor
• Course Design and Planning

Tutoring Approach:
I like to make my students feel comfortable and make the lessons enjoyable and fun while challenging enough to make the student feel that they are progressing. I design activities which are varied, interactive and engaging. I enjoy teaching using a variety of methods comprising all the four skills and can promise very impressive results.

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Personal Description:
I am a Depute Head Teacher based in the Motherwell area. I have fourteen years teaching experience with ten of those based in the classroom. I have taught in a variety of primary and SEBN schools in North Lanarkshire. I use a wide of range of innovative, inspiring techniques and strategies to engage the young people in my care.

Teaching Experience:
I am a Depute Head Teacher in North Lanarkshire with seventeen years teaching experience. I was classroom based for ten years and have had the pleasure of teaching a variety of young people ranging in age from 7-16 years old.

I look to build positive and lasting relationships with all young people in my care and use relationships to develop an in-depth understanding of what the needs of each individual child is. I use this information to derive a detailed individualised plan to meet the needs of your child. In addition to this I strive to use an assortment of teaching tools and approaches to ensure all learners are confident in understanding what is being taught.

Tutoring Approach:
As a private tutor I strive to give your child a positive and enjoyable learning experience, in turn enhancing their self-belief and self-confidence in a classroom environment. I use both practical and interactive teaching tools to help make all areas of the curriculum clearer and easier for a child to understand.

I use current and up to date materials to help give your child a better understanding and grasp of the curriculum as taught in his/her own classroom.

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Personal Description:
Fully-qualified French and Spanish teacher with a degree (BA) in Spanish and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (MA) in Modern Foreign Languages.

Teaching Experience:
- 2 years teaching French & Spanish at secondary school.
- 10 years tutoring French and Spanish privately, in which time I have tutored over 100 students.
- 6 years working as an external examiner (marking GCSE exams).
- Experience working with students of a variety of abilities and needs.

Tutoring Approach:
- I am organised, friendly and enthusiastic (but strict when necessary!).
- I aim to create a positive learning environment for my students where they feel comfortable, gain confidence and enjoy their lessons.

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Personal Description:
I am a certificated Senior Chinese Language Teacher with IPA Certification. I have taught adult individual students as well as children in groups. I have lived in Beijing, Tianjing, Xi'an and Shenzhen and am well travelled throughout the rest of China. It would be a plus to choose me if you are interested in Chinese architecture, gardens, business culture, or different kinds of Chinese food, as well as Chinese calligraphy. I have lived or travelled in many countries in Europe, America, Africa, Asian and Oceania. So, with my international background, I am comfortable with a diverse range of people.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught adult individual students, individual children and children in group. One of my adult student is an university researcher. I have taught him spoken and written Chinese for several years. My children students liked my class very much. Sometime, I taught language together with sports for children.

Currently, I am teaching in a community school in Manchester. My students are 12~13 years old, a group of 24 boys and girls. They like the Chinese language class and asked many questions about Chinese language and culture. Every weekend, I teach a 7-year old girl and her father at the same time. They are learning Mandarin listening and speaking. I really enjoy teaching them all.

Tutoring Approach:
I taught Chinese language in different ways according to my student's needs. I would like to know my student's language aims and time he or she will have to spend before we start to work together. I taught my university researcher student with listening, speaking, reading and writing all together, from begining. For another student, I taught her spoken language through discusing daily life and Chinese cultural topics she was interested in. Sometimes, I taught my children students Chinese language through yoga postures and games, which they liked very much.

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Personal Description:
I hold a First Class Honours degree in BSc Physics from the University of Southampton.

Since graduating in 2014, I have worked for a well-known accountancy firm in the City of London, and abroad in various countries, leading walks and climbs in the mountainous regions of France, Spain, Italy and Austria. I have been living and tutoring in Chamonix in the French Alps for two years, and have a passion for active, outdoor sports, including skiing, climbing and mountaineering.

I now conduct tutoring sessions from my base in Fort William.

Teaching Experience:
Two academic years' experience of tutoring high-potential young people for their 13+ Common Entrance exams to enter top-tier UK public schools (eg. Eton/Harrow).

Tutoring Approach:
I attained a First Class Honours degree in Physics after failing my second year! It was this failure that taught me the value of not only working hard, but working smart, too.

I am convinced that absolutely anyone can achieve a high grade in Physics and Maths; it is simply a question of how hard you are prepared to work for it!

In my tutoring, I like to build a picture of where my students are succeeding, and where they are in need of extra practice. We then target these weaker areas: looking first at their fundamental understanding of the topic; enhancing this with worked examples and coherent notes; and finally moving on to tackling exam questions, once they have gained confidence with such problems.

In this way, an all-round competence is gained, and the early exposure to exam questions allows students to refine their technique; and enables them to understand and anticipate the way in which subject matter will be examined. The result is a confident and prepared student!

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Personal Description:
Verified enhanced DBS check (March 2018): Clean and satisfactory.

Teaching Level: From KS2 to KS4 including GCSE.

Age group: any age, including adults.

Teaching Location: negotiable - wherever is most convenient for the student(s).

Rates:
• 1-1: £17/hr.
• Small groups: £10/hr/student. I am happy to teach up to and including 6 students.

My background:
After gaining 3 A levels (Pure Maths, Applied Maths and Physics), I worked as a Climate Data Analyst for the weather office for about 10 years where they sponsored me for my HNC Maths. I am also a financial technical analyst and have several years live trading experience. I have voluntary teaching experience abroad in refugee camps and orphanages. I also have teaching experience amongst friends and family.

Teaching Experience:
After many years of work experience, I am keen to pass on my knowledge. My teaching experience has been limited to friends and family and also to work holiday periods when I travelled abroad to teach in refugee camps and orphanages. I am keen to teach on a more permanent basis now.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is to build confidence in the student by ensuring they get the right knowledge, guidance and a lot of practice! Most people can understand, but due to lack of motivation, discipline and procrastination, they end up creating psychological barriers. Simply committing to a tuition session will help focus the mind. My job will then be to make sure the student gets the knowledge, guidance and practice they need to build their confidence and hence to succeed.

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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 knew early on, that I wanted to teach.

I have committed the last twenty years of my life to education working as a private teacher in a variety of schools and colleges - teaching an eclectic range of pupils; from special needs students to scholars to adults. I am particularly committed to building confidence and skills in pupils whom may not feel they fit the typical mould.
I am humbled and honoured to be listed as a "distinguished former pupil" of Carlos Bonell, Senior at The Royal College Of Music

Teaching Experience:
I'm current a Licensed teacher with Bexley Music Service and have taught at a variety of schools over a period of twenty years including; Eltham College, Bexley Grammar School and a variety of secondary and primary schools.

Tutoring Approach:
Lessons are relaxed, good humoured, but also highly informative with attention to detail, with each pupil's specific needs catered for.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Based in central Worcester, I am a highly experienced teacher with extensive tutoring experience who passionately believes that one-to-one tuition can overhaul your child's skills, performance, and confidence - both at home and school.

Teaching Experience:
My experience ranges from large primary schools in areas of social deprivation to small rural schools, with my current senior leadership role in an Alternate Provision school in Gloucester where I teach students upto GCSE-level. I have developed a comprehensive toolkit of strategies to enable all students to make outstanding progress, irrespective of their individual needs.

As a tutor I have supported children with diverse needs, from a simple lack of confidence to more complex learning difficulties. I have also successfully prepared students for entrance examinations, including the 11Plus.

Tutoring Approach:
As a teacher, I recognise that there is only so much that students can achieve in a school setting. Class numbers are often high, children's learning needs are varied, and teachers' contact time with students is limited. The school system is generally excellent, but individual tutoring can help students to achieve so much more!

My tutoring philosophy is based on partnership. Understanding your child's needs is crucial, so I'll carry out a detailed assessment to formulate a three-point action plan for the first six weeks, enabling your child to experience real success and boost their confidence.

After this, the action plan will be constantly reviewed and updated, enabling your child to build upon their achievements to become more confident and proficient both in tutorials and at school.

My tutoring sessions will:
- Build confidence and enjoyment.
- Be fun, engaging, but challenging.
- Build resilience and an 'I can do' approach.
- Help your child to find workarounds when a problem occurs.
- Be personalised to your child's needs.
- Provide follow-up homework, if requested.

At all times, I'll ensure you receive feedback about your child's progress and achievements, with dedicated feedback time at the end of every session.

To find out more, simply get in touch!

Subjects

Personal Description:
After 37 years full time teaching maths, being an examiner with published materials, and for the last 25 years serving as head of department at a top, selective state school in the north, along with over 30 years of one-to one tuition experience, I have huge knowledge and understanding of how to help a student achieve their maximum potential

Hopefully my profile gives an insight to what I have gained from my professional career and how I can provide the support and help which you seek.

I am highly professional, totally non-judgmental and offer a relaxed, professional working environment in which students will feel relaxed, reassured and able to ask any question in full knowledge that any problems will be fully addressed at a pace and level of understanding which suits them and individually tailored to their needs.

All of this experience allows great attunement with the student, a deep understanding of their needs and difficulties and an excellent ability to address the problems with empathy and a great degree of patience.

Teaching Experience:
With 37 years as a full-time teacher of Mathematics and the last 25 years as Head of Department in one of the top selective state schools in the north, it would be a pleasure to be able to offer my experience to support, guide and help you in this subject.

During this time I have acquired a vast range of experience, navigating through numerous changes to GCSE, A-level as well as having to deal with the impact of Covid.

I have taught the full spectrum across GCSE and A-level, where my abilities to understand a pupil's difficulties and quest to achieve their potential in the subject is at the forefront of my work.

I have had many years as an A-level examiner, author of specimen examination papers for a major education publisher as well as having participated in projects on mathematical education from a European Research Institute.

Along with all of my classroom experience and expertise, I also have over thirty years experience of one-to-one private tuition with a wide variety of students whether they be local, resident in the UK or students from the USA or the Far East

Tutoring Approach:
Behind every target and expected grade, it must be remembered that each student is a unique individual. This has been at the heart of my teaching and tutoring over all these years. After an initial discussion, in which I get to know about your difficulties and goals, there would be a plan designed to address these and tailored made just for yourself.

In our tutor sessions I would offer you a highly professional, yet friendly, working bridge where you feel comfortable and relaxed. You know that you would be free to ask any question, confident that your understanding and ability is progressing forward and that I will always be non-judgmental.

Whilst every session would have a clear target and goal, combined with a sense of achievement, they have to be highly flexible. It may be that we need to take a sidestep to strengthen previous knowledge or alternatively, using my experience, prepare for something which lies ahead. You will feel reassured that my insight and knowledge is ensuring progress is as smooth as possible.

We will always work at a rate comfortable for you and build up and strengthen your knowledge and ability to apply it, as we progress. A solid understanding of especially 'why am I doing this', is very important.

Essential to your progress is the need to use your knowledge and understanding in not only 'standard textbook/worksheet questions' but those set in unfamiliar context as your final exam (or test/end of year) paper will be a mixture. Hence undertaking extra 'homework', will be an essential component to your progress in the subject. I will always ensure you feel prepared to undertake this work which will serve to practice basic understanding as well as pushing you into thinking carefully about how to apply your working knowledge. We would always agree a manageable amount to be completed by an agreed deadline. However, I may also need to be flexible with this as, of course, workloads and pressures can vary during a school year. The fact that you are comfortable raising this issue, means that we can easily work around the matter and reach a solution which eases the situation for you.

I would also offer all my support and experience in helping you prepare for any tests or final exams. There is a lot which can be done to help you mathematically, mentally and psychologically prepare for these stressful events.

Also provided as the result of every lesson, will be a pdf of the notes and work we undertook in a session. This maximises the learning potential in a session as the student is focused on the work being done and undertaking worked questions, and removing the need to 'take notes' and 'keep up'.

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