Rotherhithe Tutors and Rotherhithe Tuition

Personal Description:
I love skiing, horse riding, walking with my dog. dancing Salsa, Ceroc, Bachata and Kizomba. I also enjoy learning a new language

Teaching Experience:
I hold Certifcate in Education. I have been teaching English as a Second Language since May 2007. The students would stay at my house for a week or up to eight weeks. I have also taught Maths, Biology, Science, History, Geography and Physics to GCSE level.
I believe that every child has the ability to learn given the right tuition and guidance. Patience maybe required in order to explain a point in several different ways for the student to understand it.
I enjoy teaching English as it is the language of the world, the internet and the language that is spoken by the most number of countries. I find the enjoyment comes when some who can't speak or pronounce English well at first become confident and fluent over time.
I like to make my lessons fun and excited, as I believe that a lesson that is boring will not be remembered by the students.
I have learnt over the course of my teaching that students are individuals and cannot be taught the same. What works for one student will not necessarily work for another. Every course can and should be adjusted to suit the different student.
My classes would be packed full of fun with the intention of energizing everyone in it. I like my students to participate fully in the class, so that they are able to get the most out of their time with me. They should not realize the time because they are enjoying the interaction with me and the other students, if not a one to one scenario.
I love skiing, horse riding, walking with my dog. dancing Salsa, Ceroc, Bachata and Kizomba. I also enjoy learning a new language

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that every child has the ability to learn given the right tuition and guidance. Patience maybe required in order to explain a point in several different ways for the student to understand it.
I enjoy teaching English as it is the language of the world, the internet and the language that is spoken by the most number of countries. I find the enjoyment comes when some who can't speak or pronounce English well at first become confident and fluent over time.
I like to make my lessons fun and excited, as I believe that a lesson that is boring will not be remembered by the students.
I have learnt over the course of my teaching that students are individuals and cannot be taught the same. What works for one student will not necessarily work for another. Every course can and should be adjusted to suit the different student.
My classes would be packed full of fun with the intention of energizing everyone in it. I like my students to participate fully in the class, so that they are able to get the most out of their time with me. They should not realize the time because they are enjoying the interaction with me and the other students, if not a one to one scenario.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have a background in theatre and drama: I completed my Master of Arts degree in Theatre Directing at the University of East London. Also I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft . I wrote my dissertation on 'How can the form of Burlesque be used to reclaim notions of sexuality and gender?' Currently, I work freelance as a director, performance producer, performer and creative coach.

Equity&Bectu member

Teaching Experience:
I have confidence in my abilities. I am well organised and can work well within the given time restraints and available resources. I am able to work for long hours and under pressure. I have strong communication skills. I am an empathic listener and persuasive speaker. Human relations are very important for me. I can handle a wide range of behaviours and solve problems easily. I can build strong connections.

Tutoring Approach:
My dynamic skillset able to coach others and support growing talent. I work with people of all ages, including complete beginners and professional actors.
I teach audition technique, screen acting, stage acting, drama, and communication skills. I am focusing on developing people's directing, acting and scriptwriting talent through self-development coaching styles and techniques. My aim is preparing people for the industry.

For complete beginners and enthusiasts, if you would like to start improving your acting/directing skills, that would be an amazing way to spend your time on hobby you love.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Spanish Tuition
With over 22 years of teaching experience at Dulwich College, I have a proven track record of guiding students to achieve top A-Level results, including A* grades. Now retired from full-time teaching, I offer private tuition tailored to the needs of each learner.
Whether your goal is to refine conversational fluency, master advanced grammar, or explore Spanish literature and culture, I provide expert support to help you succeed.
Limited spaces available.
Tuition is also available for adults at all levels, from complete beginners to advanced speakers.

Teaching Experience:
1981-82: I.L.E.A.: -Dunraven School, London
"O"Level Spanish
Group of 8 students

Richard Atkins School, London
"Spanish for beginners"
Group of 10 students

Stockwell Manor Branch, London
"Spanish for beginners" Level 2
Group of 10 students

2001- City Lit Covent Garden London
Spanish Art in Spanish Level 5
33-week course introducing the History of Spanish Art as a means of
practicing conversation skills.

2002-2022 -Dulwich College London
Spanish Lectora

2002-2004 -James Allen's Girls' School - Dulwich
Spanish Lectora

Tutoring Approach:
About Language Teaching
I believe that teaching is an art. Everyone has the potential to learn, regardless of mental hindrances. In my view, the role of a teacher is to understand both the limitations and strengths of each pupil and tailor a unique course accordingly.
The most essential requirement for a pupil is passion and the willingness to learn; the rest is the teacher's responsibility.
I started teaching Spanish as a means of earning a living when I first came to the UK in 1973. Ever since then, it has always been a source of income. I am a professional painter, but selling paintings is not a reliable form of income. I have excellent references from former students that I can provide on request.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a qualified teacher and former Headteacher of a successful school with significant teaching expertise at KS1 and KS2. I am also a qualified SENCO and have vast experience in SEN. I set high standards for all my pupils and help them to achieve academic success. I am able to offer tuition in English, Maths and Science at both key stages and tuition for 11+ and common entrance examinations. I travel to you by negotiation. I can provide excellent references on request from past and present clients who have achieved and continue to achieve success in their studies at all levels. I enjoy seeing my pupils make rapid progress and achieving a high level of academic success.

Teaching Experience:
I specialise in English, Maths, SEN, Entrance Examinations at 7+ and 11+ and tuition for pupils who need to catch up, lack confidence and skills and need support to improve. I have vast experience teaching within excellent local schools and I am currently a Headteacher in a large local primary school. I teach children on a 1-2-1 basis to ensure that they receive the additional input that they need in order to achieve. I specialise in assisting children who lack confidence in specific areas and I am able to assist these children in improving their skill levels within their own school. I can provide excellent references on request from many happy pupils and parents.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a patient and understanding tutor with the ability to communicate effectively with both adults and children. My aim is to ensure that pupils develop additional skills and increased confidence in their studies. I make my lessons fun and enjoyable for pupils so that they are able to enjoy learning and are keen to attend my tutoring sessions. I keep parents updated on their children's progress on a regular basis and encourage children to share worries about specific subject areas so that we can explore them together.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Based in Wantage (Oxfordshire) Jim has been providing drum tuition to players of all ages and level of ability since 2003.

He has been teaching private drum tuition for 7 years from his home studio. Many of his students have been with him for a long time. His teaching is based largely on the Gigajam syllabus and he likes to think that he brings the syllabus to life and makes it interesting and relevant for his students.

Teaching Experience:
He always make sure that he tailors his teaching to suit each student as an individual and that he treats them as such. Regardless of their age or ability he gives them all the same amount of attention and always does his utmost to support and motivate them.

He has been a gigging drummer since the age of 14 and has played in numerous bands at numerous gigs and events. He draws upon his own experiences (good and bad) to empathise with his students and to help and assist where he can, be it with a tuning issue, a drum repair or upgrade or helping them to stay focused while learning a new and sometimes difficult technique.

Tutoring Approach:
He is a well motivated, outgoing and cheerful person and that comes across in his lessons. He likes to keep things upbeat (no pun intended) and fun, as he believes that music should be something that is enjoyable and pleasurable and not a chore.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an experienced Teacher of Maths to A level, AAT, Tax, Financial Accounting, Management Accounting & Statistics.

My teaching experience ranges from 1-1 teaching, group teaching, teaching in state schools and private colleges, teaching for University Foundation Programs and delivering training at clients' premises.

I am enhanced DBS checked.

Teaching Experience:
Some of the schools/colleges I have taught are:

Loughborough College
Al Hikmah
East Kent College
Cambian Group
Royal Grammar School High Wycombe
Oaklands College St Albans
Nova Training College
Cherwell College Oxford
Cambridge Seminars
Emperia College Luton
Bell Cambridge
West London Vocational College (SAGE)
Milton Keynes College
EF Academy Oxford

Tutoring Approach:
Whichever way the student wishes the lessons to be conducted but personally I tend to focus on concepts.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I was born in Germany to British parents and lived there for 8 years before coming over to the UK to live. I also spent a total of 2 further years over there in Southern and Northern Germany after my A Levels and during my undergraduate degree to further my knowledge, working for OSRAM GmbH and studying at the Freie Universität Berlin.

Teaching Experience:
I graduated with a degree in German and Drama, with First Class Honours, in July 2010, from Queen Mary, University of London and have just completed a PGCE (Secondary) in Modern Foreign Languages (German with French), at the Institute of Education, University of London, also gaining QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) from the GTCE (General Teaching Council for England).

I am familiar with the National Curriculum at the Secondary level for Key Stages 3/4/5 - Year 7 through to Year 13, and will tailor tuition to suit individual needs, allowing for development in German language skills, as well as preparation for public examinations.

Tutoring Approach:
Friendly 1-2-1 tuition supporting development in German language skills, tailored to individual needs. National Curriculum at Key Stages 3/4/5 can be followed as well as key examination preparation to boost confidence and performance.

Currently offering sessions on a Saturday/Sunday @ £40p/h

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified registered primary school teacher. I have been teaching for 18 years as a key stage 2 teacher. I am also foundation trained.

I have taught all subjects across the curriculum. I specialise in Maths and English. I am experienced in teaching children with a range of different learning abilities and confidence issues and have taught children who have additional learning needs.

I am able to encourage children to become more confident with their school work by explaining how to complete tasks using different strategies. I look at the different areas that needs more focus and build on this. I like to make the sessions relaxed so that the child feels at ease, this way they are more willing to study at a pace that suits them.

I am available for tutoring: after school or during the school day if your child is home schooled. I also offer tutoring to international children across the world. At the moment I am tutoring children in Sri Lanka, China and Japan.

At the moment my evenings are full but I do have some spaces available during the daytime. Evenings become available as the children leave me when entering secondary schools.

If you have any questions please contact me and we can discuss it further.

Thank you :)

Teaching Experience:
I graduated in 2006 from Chester University with B.ed (hons) degree in Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status and English specialism 2:1.

Experienced in teaching all subjects across the curriculum in key stage 2 and the foundation phase.
Experienced in teaching children with additional learning needs.

Experienced in teaching Welsh up to year 6.

Qualified in foundation phase teaching 2013.

Tutoring Approach:
To provide extra support for your child to be able to complete school tasks to a good standard and to prepare them for the end of year tests.

To help build confidence and self esteem so children can progress to the best of their ability and enjoy their learning.

I use different strategies, resources, games and activities depending on the learning needed.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I live in South Wales with my daughter and our pet cat. Besides study and work, I enjoy walking, keeping fit and photography. I have also recently volunteered at a local primary school working on numeracy/literacy interventions and I recently worked part time at in the Learning Support department of a local Comprehensive school. In the summer I mark GCSE exam papers (Maths and Biology) for a major UK examination board.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring, mostly maths and science, on and off for over 8 years now, both online and traditional face to face tuition. I have worked in local primary schools and high schools assisting with activities, such as numeracy and reading, as well as assisting with detailed individual learning plans and support. I have detailed knowledge of all the major UK exam boards syllabus and exam technique for Maths, Geography and Economics.

Tutoring Approach:
I tailor tuition to suit the needs of the individual student as each student learns differently and will better attain desired goals via their own learning style. I structure full lessons, sometimes with presentations, as well as exam practice papers with questions, and I will set homework, if deemed appropriate.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I currently offer tutoring for physics up to A2 level plus maths up to GCSE level.

I have taught at a variety of comprehensive schools for 25 years and am currently lecturing in Physics at the Crosskeys campus of Coleg Gwent. This is the largest A level centre in Wales. Our physics results are always excellent, we have the highest A/B pass rate (>70%) and overall pass rate (100%) in Wales for such a large entry. In 2011 we had 48% A and A which was twice the national average.In 2012 67% of the students in the class obtained A , A or B

Teaching Experience:
I have been a teacher of science (including A level physics) and maths for over 25 years.
I have successfully home tutored a large students in both GCSE maths and physics over many years.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to tutor by firstly going over the salient points about the current work, followed by attempting past paper and equivalent questions. However, I am easy going and happy to help in whatever ways are needed. I am here to help the student progress ion whatever way he/she feels best.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Ben has been described by a current student as "a brilliant teacher who has helped me with whatever styles of music I have wanted to play". I've been a profession teacher for over 10 years and am well established in the local area. I teach from my home or yours and even offer on-line lessons using Skype.
I have a fully modern studio, and am able to create custom backing tracks for you at no extra cost. Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time for more details.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching privately for over ten years and have got many students to pass their guitar and theory grades

Tutoring Approach:
I have an informal approach, trying to make lessons as enjoyable as I can and still achieve the best possible results.

Subjects

Personal Description:
ELE IH qualified Native, Spanish as a foreign language teacher, If you would like to start to learn Spanish, improve your knowledge of the language or get ready for your exams or for your next holidays or new life in an Spanish speaking country, I could be able to help you.
It is really a pleasure to me to learn and teach things It might help other´s people life.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching Spanish in different Language academies in Germany, Spain, Argentina and UK.

Tutoring Approach:
During my life I have been working with many students from different Nationalities and different ages,identifying their advantages and disadvantages within learning the Spanish language.
I have got International recognised qualifications, besides being Spanish my mother language, that enable me to provide proper teaching lessons, in a serious but also entertaining way.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I've always been a bright girl in biology getting good marks and trying my best

Teaching Experience:
I used to work at an after school club with primary school students and helped them with their homework

Tutoring Approach:
I was recommended to come here by one of the teachers at the after school club

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, I'm John, a Cambridge University educated professional engineer. I can help you learn or improve your English for specific reasons. For instance you may need to pass IELTS exams for university entrance or you might just want to improve your English for work or social reasons. Perhaps you need a better command of business or technical English - having worked in business in the energy industry for many years, I can help you there. Not only can I help you with your English, but I can also assist with the preparation of winning business proposals and presentations.
I have a TEFL qualification, passed at distinction, and taught in a secondary school in Scotland, so am used to the teaching environment. I have a relaxed and easy style but will ensure that you achieve your objectives. I'm happy working with people of all ages and backgrounds and to tutor individuals or groups.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught in Scotland as a secondary teacher of Technological Education. Recently I have taught English as a Foreign Language (EFL) to young people and trainee monks in Thailand.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a relaxed style but will ensure that you achieve your objectives. Each pupil is an an individual and a program to suit your individual needs will be worked out with you.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a passionate and hard working primary school teacher. I have been tutoring children of a range of ages and abilities for seven years. Examples include Year 4 English, Year 1 Phonics and English, Year 2 Maths, Year 6 Maths and English. I often tutor children in preparation for the 11 Plus exams and I currently have a 100% pass rate. I will adapt my teaching to meet your child's needs and I always strive to build up a child's confidence. I am patient, caring and enjoy helping children to learn, develop and achieve their goals.

Teaching Experience:
I have eight years teaching experience in primary schools and I have taught across the year groups from Reception to Year 6. I plan my lessons using objectives from the National Curriculum. I use visuals and hooks to engage children in the lesson. I then adapt the learning activity according to children's ability and needs. I ensure children have the opportunity to use their new knowledge and skills through challenge activities, where they will need to find a solution or answer to a challenging question independently. This builds children's confidence and problem-solving skills.

Tutoring Approach:
I will assess your child's needs and abilities in the first tutoring session. Going forward, I will use a range of teaching styles to support your child, including interactive lessons, focus activities, questioning and visual resources.

When I am tutoring a child for the 11 Plus, I will also use past test papers, which I will bring with me. I will also focus on areas that your child finds difficult and support him/her to complete activities in these areas.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am British, and living in Hampshire. I am a qualified secondary school teacher in the UK (QTS, PGCE), and have taught Mandarin Chinese full-time in both the state and private sectors in the UK, at two schools leading the country in their Mandarin provision. I have passed the highest level exams in Mandarin Chinese (HSK level 6, and Advanced Speaking HSKK), and have lived in China for six years. I have just completed a Master's degree in the field of applied linguistics.

My Education background is as follows.

2016-2017: University of Southampton
- MA English Language Teaching.
- Specialism in motivation in online learning.
- Distinction level pass anticipated. To receive certificate in November 2017.

2014-2015: CfBT; University of Hull
- QTS (Qualified Teacher Status), with PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate of Education).

2002 - 2005: University of Durham
- First class honours degree: Politics BA.

1992 - 2002: Portsmouth Grammar School
- A levels: French A, Spanish A, Politics A, History A,
- GCSEs: 6 A*s. 3 As.

Teaching Experience:
2017 - 2020: LSI Portsmouth English Teacher
- Taught Exam preparation courses (IELTS, CPE) to foreign students.

2015 - 2016: Whitgift School Mandarin Teacher.
- Taught Mandarin and French to secondary school students aged 11 to 15 at one of the top schools in the UK.
- Offered a permanent contract at the school.

2014 - 2015: Bohunt School Trainee Mandarin Teacher (School Direct Salaried).
- Learned from Outstanding teacher at 2014 TES School Awards Overall
School of the Year.
- Taught Mandarin and French to secondary school students aged 11 to 13.

2010 - 2014: Guilin University of Electronic Technology (Guilin, China). TEFL English Teacher.
- Taught English to Undergraduate students majoring in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language.
- Prepared students for the IELTS examination.

2008 - 2010: Caterpillar Inc (UK). Purchasing Specialist (Graduate Trainee)

2007 - 2008: New Dynamic Institute (Chengdu, China). TEFL English teacher.
- Taught small groups of professionals in middle and senior management, both conversational and Business English, in an English training school.

2005 - 2007: Thames School of Languages (Huizhou, China). TEFL English Teacher.
- Taught primary and secondary school students aged 4 to 18 in an English training school.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is based on my own experience and academic research in the field of second language learning.

- I aim to foster and maintain motivation, through relating all topics directly to my students' everyday lives, experiences and opinions; and through providing instruction which is tailored to students' requirements.
- I aim to make my students feel comfortable through helping them to feel relaxed and providing as much linguistic support as is needed.
- I aim to increase my students' linguistic knowledge through using resources which are at a level just slightly beyond the student's current level, so that they are comfortable, but challenged.
- I am to promote skills development through developing comprehension skills (reading and listening), but also productive skills (speaking and writing).

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am Greek and I live in Oxford.I am a teacher holding a QTS and I have experience in teaching French,Greek and English at all levels.I have studied French Language and literature (Bachelor with Honours) and I have completed a Masters Degree in :Teaching French as a foreign language. (MEd)

I am a Greek native speaker and I am fluent in both English and French.

Teaching Experience:
I am a fully qualified teacher (QTS) in UK and I am recently DBS checked. Since September 2021 I am part of the Greek School of Oxford teaching Greek Language and Culture to mixed abilities classes of different year groups.

I have extensive experience in teaching French to all year groups and abilities, as well as Spanish for year7/8/9. My M.Ed degree (2nd Cycle) helped me to develop expertise in teaching French as a foreign language especially for intercultural environments. I have successfully completed a postgraduate dissertation named: "Méthodes et pratiques de l'enseignement de FLE dans le cadre de l'école primaire en Angleterre." ("Methods and techniques of teaching French as a foreign language in primary schools in England".)

For the past 10 years, I was employed as an MFL teacher in secondary schools and the last few years I worked as a KS2 teacher in primary schools in London and Oxford. As a Language Coordinator, I have actively participated in redesigning the KS2 curriculum and I have a proven record of raising achievement and behaviour, most pupils made significant progress since I was there. Furthermore, I am aware of the British curriculum and the needs of every single year group. My lessons are planned to meet these particular needs but simultaneously, they satisfy the needs and interests of the different groups I am teaching each time.

I specialise in Lesser Taught Languages and serve as an examiner for GCSE/International GCSE Greek and French.

When in Greece, I worked in language schools as well as privately for more than 16 years teaching foreign languages and Greek to both children and adults.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a linguist with rich experience in teaching languages in various settings at all levels. I keep myself updated to all recent teaching approaches. My lessons are student-centred and planned to satisfy and meet each student's specific needs.

I strongly believe that the contrasting nature of my places of work has enriched my knowledge as a teacher in expanding my experience of dealing with a diverse range of young people, identities, personalities and needs.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have over thirty years experience of teaching Latin, English, French and essay-writing skills, both in schools and as a private tutor. I specialise in helping students write their Personal Statements when applying to university or to postgraduate courses.

I am the mother of five grown up children, three of whom went to Cambridge, one to KCL and one to Oxford, and I have also guided many other students into achieving offers from top universities, including many to Oxbridge.

After graduating from Cambridge with a degree in English and Classics, I taught for 2 years before going to Drama school, then moved to Granada TV as a researcher and presenter. The next 14 years were spent working for various TV companies, while also writing for national newspapers and magazines.

In 1992, I moved with my family to Salisbury and went back to teaching, first in a college of Further Education, then at a prep school, and subsequently in independent schools: nine years at St Mary's Calne from which I retired in 2015. I was then invited to , come out of retirement to teach at St Swithun's in Winchester and The Oratory School Oxford.

I no longer teach in the classroom, but continue to offer tutoring in Latin, English, French and Writing Skills. A particular speciality is Personal Statements - helping students with their applications to university. I have helped very many students (both pre-university and postgraduates) write successful personal statements for their chosen courses.

As well as the academic subjects mentioned above, I help with any writing task from an A level or IB essay (especially Theory of Knowledge) to university theses and dissertations. I specialise in Oxbridge help, including suggestions for reading, preparation for entrance tests and interview practice. So far I have helped over 20 students gain places at Oxbridge.

Teaching Experience:
Personal statements

I have helped very many students write their personal statements for application to university - both at undergraduate and postgraduate level. This does NOT mean writing the statement for the student - I do not have the breadth of knowledge to write about Astrophysics or Zoology, but it does mean helping the student clarify his or her thoughts, explain what has prompted the interest in the subject, how he or she has developed this interest, what extra-curricular choices have been made, and why, and how current A levels (or degree subjects) have prepared the student for this application.
For many students, the Personal Statement is the first time they have have to talk about themselves, and for many, it is bewildering knowing how to approach it and what to include and what to leave out.

I help the student by asking him/her to fill in a preliminary questionnaire, (Why this subject? What sparked the interest? Why it's important for the student and for society etc). Next, I ask for a first draft - it doesn't matter how bad or poorly expressed this is. Then, I work with the student - either at home or by Skype/Zoom, talking through the first draft and suggesting adjustments, improvements etc. Next the student writes a second draft, and the process continues until the students is totally happy that the statement says exactly what was intended, and show the student at his/her best.
I have many testimonials from happy students (including over twenty five to Oxbridge) which I would be happy to share on request.

Latin
I teach Latin at Latin Common Entrance, GCSE, A level, and university level. The great majority of my students achieve 9s at GCSE, and As and A*s at A level. Many have gone on to read Classics at university.

English
I teach English literature and language - both critical analysis of texts and and writing skills - from GCSE to university level and beyond. Many students whom I have helped with A level essays have come back to me for help with their university dissertations, applications for Masters, or covering letters for postgraduate job applications.

Essay writing
As well as helping with A level essays in all the humanities (RS, Philosophy, Psychology, History etc) I am an experienced tutor for IB Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essays. I have also advised and guided many students with their EPQs.

French
I teach French to A level and

I teach Classical Greek to GCSE.

Tutoring Approach:
1. My first priority is to let the student know that they are not alone - I am here to help. Just being told this can be immediately reassuring, especially if the student has been worrying for about a subject or project for a long time.

2. The next step is to establish exactly how much the student already knows. Nothing surprises or shocks me, but I have come across students seeking help who haven't got a copy of the relevant book or haven't read beyond the title page. I understand this - life is busy.So I am never critical or judgmental, I am always on the student's side. If necessary, I will provide a copy (years of teaching and a large family mean I usually have several).

3. The next step is to encourage the student into thinking of the subject as interesting. This may mean overcoming any resistance, by chatting, discovering how much they already know (always more than they think - another source of encouragement) and relating it to other areas of interest. One ideas have started to flow the student will begin to realise that not only might this subject/essay not be as bad as feared, it's possible they might find something enjoyable about it.

4. Now we look at the project and ways of approaching it. The key here is structure. Quite often the student's lack of confidence has led to panic and accompanying lack of organisation. So I help sort out files, help put notes in order, and encourage the student recognise which bits of paper are/aren't relevant to their work. This is mental housekeeping - and once order has been established, the student is in a better frame of mind for doing the work.

5. The next step varies according the to the subject.

LATIN.
I ask the student translate until he meets a problem. I then explain the topic- taking care to base it only on what the student already knows and feels confident about. If there are big gaps in knowledge, I start filling them, teaching vocabulary, grammar and syntax in an orderly way and asking the student to record what we have covered in his own written file.We then continue the translation, making sure the student has understood everything we have covered so far. This process is designed to lift the fog and give the student the tools needed to translate confidently

WRITING.
If it's an essay, I encourage the student to look at the title and think about (a) what is it really asking and (b) what ideas can he or she think of in response? These can be written down in any order - at this stage it's a question of getting the thought processes going.
We then discuss how to organise the student's thoughts into a coherent whole. This can be painstaking process - it involves teaching essay structure, and and sometimes even working backwards - going from conclusion back to introduction - but we always finish by knowing exactly what direction the essay is taking.
The final step is to ask the student to write something for next time. It doesn't matter if it's short or badly-expressed, and I always make it relevant to school work. The reason I ask for a piece of writing is
a) the act of writing enables a student to know what he/she wants to say
(b) seeing a student's writing shows me how to approach the next lesson. I can see what element of the writing need work, and plan my lesson accordingly.

OTHER IDEAS FOR READING ETC
I often recommend extra-curricular ideas to make the subject more engaging - films, YouTube extracts, magazines, even books - the student doesn't have to read a whole book - even dipping in and out is helpful and there is nothing more deadening to the love of books than being told you HAVE to read them.

STUDENTS WHO ARE STRUGGLING.
. I do not only help academic high-flyers. I am also offer warm and sympathetic help to students who - for whatever reason - find academic study challenging. I help develop study skills, suggest organisational strategies (for student and parent) and above all, restore lost confidence by showing the student that he really can tackle - and overcome - any problem - just by taking it slowly and making sure he or she understands each step before going on to the next.

WELCOME TO MY HOUSE.
, I'm a great believer in the comforting powers of a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit, as well as the presence of my 2 cats (who, despite being to every lesson I've given, are still rubbish at Latin). For allergic pupils, however, the cats are banished to the garden.

Subjects