Tonbridge Tutors and Tonbridge Tuition

Personal Description:
Teaching at a prestigious independent secondary school in Kent, I am a native speaker with excellent subject knowledge and language skills. Having over 8 years of Mandarin teaching experience, my students range from pre-school young learners to adult learners. I am a qualified teacher with postgraduate certificate in Education and I am specialised in tutoring GCSE and A-Level Chinese.

Teaching Experience:
3 years as primary school English teacher in Shanghai.
3 years as Mandarin teacher at Kent Adult Education.
5 years as Mandarin teacher in secondary school (11-18 ) in the UK.

Tutoring Approach:
I am able to make your learning fun and enjoyable by means of creative techniques. I instil a sense of confidence in my pupils enabling them to maximise their understanding of the language. Each student is treated with respect and understanding regardless of their age, gender or personal circumstances. All my students have achieved Grade 8 or 9 for Chinese GCSE.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a proficient and fully-qualified German teacher, with experience of teaching at all levels, from beginners to highly advanced learners. Over many years, I have taught German to a diverse range of students, and in many different environments, from large classes to individual tutoring. I have an MA in German linguistics and more recently I have completed post-graduate studies in the theory of teaching foreign languages.

I am able to prepare students for GCSE and A Level exams, and can also teach beginners with no prior knowledge of German. My lessons are customised and personalised to my students' requirements. An individual approach enables me to work out with each student the best method for them.

Teaching Experience:
QTS obtained in the UK
Professional qualifications from abroad (EU)
Experience in private tutoring (German - all levels)
Experience in group tutoring (German for companies)
Experience in Grammar School in the UK (German GCSE, German A-level) - perfect knowledge of the new exam specifications for all levels
Experience in Primary School in the UK (German)
Co-author of the new Polish GCSE Textbook
DBS

Tutoring Approach:
I take a creative approach in my teaching, and am always searching for new ideas to improve the learning environment for my pupils. I have found that my background in German and Polish philology have complemented each other greatly and have given me valuable insights into the structure and relationships of different languages.

If you prefer to learn from home I may be able to come to your place and I offer flexibility in terms of fitting in with your schedule.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a qualified teacher, and I have lived in the UK for the last 26 years. I have been teaching for 15 years and I have run my own business teaching after school club and private lesson to GCSE A-level and Common entrance exam, as well as home educated students.
I worked for 5 years in Tonbridge Adult Education Center, and also gave classes to the outreach classes for Adults for another 2 years.
I have worked in primary schools, Adult Education, and Secondary schools.

Teaching Experience:
I worked in Chiddingstone , Horsmonden, Pembury, Fosse Bank, as well as Adult Education in Tonbridge,
Tonbridge Girls Grammar and Wrotham Secondary School. I was also for 3 years a Modern Foreign Language coordinator in Tunbridge Wells supporting 8 primary schools to implement languages. I am a qualified teacher and in my teaching career I was able to cater for the needs of primary secondary and adults students, covering the basic language, from common entrance, GCSE, A-level, IB, to adults. I enjoy teaching all of those levels because it has allowed me to bring lots of creativity to all the level and create a wide range of resources that can be adapted to all my students.

Tutoring Approach:
All my experience has allowed me to be very creative in my teaching. Integrating ICT, books, worksheets, power points, videos, and interactive games to insure a broad variety of teaching methods are implemented. I always ensure that all skills are covered.
I will provide my students with a medium term planning, and personalise learning experience.
We can discuss your needs, and I will be able to assess your requirements, whether you are an auditory
Visual, or kinaesthetic learner, I will find a strategy that will result In success.
Whatever your goals; exams, pleasure, business, holiday in France, I will ensure that you will progress and give you all the support that you need.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello everyone,
My name's Danny (for short from Yordanka) , I'm 44 with 15 years of experience in tutoring English as a foreign language. I tailor all lessons to your needs, be it Spoken English or preparation for an exam. I go with your pace and your availability. Affordable and discounts available when paying in advance.
I hold a Master's degree in English Language and Literature from Bulgaria and have been teaching English as a foreign language since 2004. I have lived in England since 2008 and have helped many Bulgarians with their settling to the life in a different country - Spoken English lessons, document translation, job hunting advice, childcare etc.

Uchitel po angliiski - Kazvam se Dani, na 44 sum s 15 godishen opit v prepodavaneto na angliiski.
- Diploma po Angliiska filologiq , Cambridge izpiti
- Angliiski za vsichki vuzrasti i niva
-Razgovoren, profesionalen, biznes angliiski
- Urocite se planirat spored vashite iziskvaniq i vuzmojnosti, angliiski obqsnen po lesen i dostupen nachin
- Prevodi na vsqkakvi dokumenti, email, pisma

Teaching Experience:
Over 15 years I have taught and translated English for people of all ages and walks of life - from school children through pupils facing exams to grandma who needs to understand the lady on the phone better. I have taught business professionals, butchers, catering assistants, waiters, retail assistant, chefs, doctors, the list goes on. I have taught small groups and classes but always preferred face to face 101 lessons as it shows quicker and better results.

Tutoring Approach:
Strictly individual approach, tailored to student's needs, pace and availability. I explain English patiently in a simple way, with few general rules in an effort to make it enjoyable and easy to grasp. Working with a vast variety of people have made it possible for me to quickly adapt to the person and their way of learning to make sure we're progressing quickly and effectively.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a Investment Modeller for an Enery Firm.I develop financial models to help the firm to make major investment decisions in the UK.

I am Msc, Finance from LSE and consider myself as a person who makes complex formulae simple.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught mathematics to the University, A Level & GCSE students. Most of them have done well and are thorough professionals in their respective fields. Most of them are software engineers.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe in making complex formulae simple. I do that by linking a problem to commonsense or everyday life.

So, there is no need of memorising formulae. Even if you forget it, just remember the story I told you to remember the formulae !

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a very experienced and enthusiastic Teacher and Tutor of Economics to A Level, living in Cardiff.

Teaching Experience:
I am currently teaching the full WJEC A Level Economics course at two leading Independent Schools. I teach part time at each, and have done various freelance work with other schools in person/online, and have tutored students privately for many years. I am currently an Examiner in Economics.

Tutoring Approach:
Tuition at your home (Cardiff area) or online via Google Meet.

We will cover any areas causing difficulties, as well as working through past papers. I have lots of resources, and pay particular attention to exam technique and understanding how to meet the marking criteria when answering questions. I have resources accessible online through Google Classroom.

My tutoring sessions are 50 minutes each. I am happy to set and/or mark extra work as part of the service.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My name is Fernando, and I'm a (European) Portuguese native speaker.

Born in Portugal, I moved to the London in 2010 and worked in education and safeguarding professional up to 2024. At the beginning of 2025 I moved up north and I'm now self-employed - mostly teaching online and doing interior design jobs whilst retraining in this area and overseeing/project management my new home renovation work.

I provide high quality private language tuition - listening, speaking, reading, writing & grammar - with consistently excellent results:

"What Fernando did was to start with my interests, which really made the lessons fun, and helped me to learn Portuguese more quickly!" Alex

Do you want to?
• Learn European Portuguese?
• Prepare for a Portuguese proficiency examination
• Pick up a few useful phrases for a holiday?
• Improve your business communication skills?

Portugueses: Procuram melhorar o vosso nível de inglês falado e escrito?
Brasileiros: Vocês estão procurando melhorar o seu aprendizado da língua inglesa?

NOTE: At the moment I'm not teaching Brazilian Portuguese. I believe students should find a native teacher from the specific country they aim to visit/live. Any tutor can teach the grammar and basics, but in terms of speaking practice there is a real advantage to learn with a native speaker/tutor.

Teaching Experience:
My teaching methods are reinforced by my significant experience as a tutor, trainer, a college teacher, a mentor for young people, and a coach for adult learners. I am patient and dedicated in my approach, with and an unshakeable belief that my students WILL achieve their goals.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching practice encompasses:
• A range of resources of the highest standard
• Fun and flexible materials such as music, film clips and games
• Thorough linguistic knowledge
• Tailored lessons to meet your learning needs
• Engaging and relevant homework
• Continuous assessment with ongoing feedback
• Cultural and historical essentials

It's important to me that the tuition experience is comfortable and convenient for you. Due to COVID-19 I've decided to only offer online tuition until further notice.

"I found Fernando really knowledgeable with excellent organisation skills. He was especially considerate about organising the tuition around my job" Ian

I teach all ages from beginner to advanced levels
• Book stand alone lessons: pay £25 (one hour lessons)
• Book 5 lessons and commit to 1 lesson per week: pay only £112.50 (get 10% off = saving £12.50)
• Book 10 lessons and commit to 2 lessons per week: pay only £212.50 (get 15% off = saving £37.50)
• Book 15 lessons and commit to 2 lessons per week: pay only £300 (get 20% off = saving £75.00)
• Book 20 lessons and commit to 3 lessons per week: pay only £375 (get 25% off = saving £125.00)

I'll be flexible in rescheduling lessons within same week/next week so long as these are canceled with more than 24 hours notice.

Lessons will be counted if failing to attend without any notice or less than 24 hours notice (aside from extraordinary reasons).

Failing to adhere to the original learning plan and not rescheduling within the expected period will mean you'll loose unused lessons as these will expire after the allocated weeks (5 and 10 lesson packs have a max learning period of 6 weeks; 15 and 20 lesson packs have a max learning period of 8 weeks).

Get in touch for more information about:
• Group classes
• English/Portuguese translation
• Proofreading Portuguese

Get in touch to book your initial lesson so I can assess your level and your preferred learning style (25-minute assessment for £20).

I look forward to learning together!

Fernando

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm an enthusiastic driven person. I take pride in my work and I'd like to do it well. In my spare time I like to be active and go sailing, diving or wake boarding.

Teaching Experience:
I taught for 7 months in a Belgian secondary school. I taught 11-14 year old children Latin there. I've also taught Life Science and Art History to 14-16 year olds. My appointment was temporary and so I went on doing something else. From time to time I have been asked to do some tutoring. I hope this way I can help educate the new generation that is willing to learn.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe anyone can learn anything though depending on our skills some people just have to put in extra effort to get the same results. I therefore try to help in easing and structuring this extra effort. Finding the bottle necks in the way of studying, offering a new vision on subjects, providing a different background and helping to make personal schedules to keep up with work is my way of tutoring. As far as Latin goes next to this it just takes practice.

Subjects

Personal Description:
CCEA AS/A2 BIOLOGY

CURRENT AVAILABILITY: Wednesday and Thursday @ 815pm

I tutor ONLINE only through Microsoft Teams
I do not teach GCSE.
I CANNOT ASSIST WITH OCR, EdExcel or AQA specifications.

I am a senior molecular biologist at Almac Diagnostics where I employ technologies which are required knowledge for the CCEA A-Level Biology specification.

UNIVERSITY:
BSc/Hons in Zoology (1999-2002, QUB)
PhD in Molecular Parasitology (2002-2006, QUB)
PGCE in Biology and Science (2010-2011, QUB)

RESEARCH:
1 - Postdoctoral research scientist (2006-2008, University of Calgary, Canada). Immunology, autoimmunity and parasitology.
2 - Postdoctoral researcher (2008-2009, University of Liverpool). Avian Immunity, Microbiology.
3 - Postdoctoral researcher (2009-2010, Trinity College Dublin). Immunology, autoimmunity, pharmacology.
4 - Scientist in Assay Development and Validation (2014-2022, Almac Diagnostic Services). Human disease DNA/RNA based test development, clinical sample testing, cancer testing, DNA sequencing, primer design
5 - Senior Scientist in Assay Development and Validation (2022-present), Almac Diagnostic Services).

I have published my work in scientific journals and presented at international conferences.

I mentor A-Level students for university interviews and I have an extensive archive of science magazines, news reports, videos and biology related books.

Teaching Experience:
TEACHING:
1 - Teacher of Science (Nov2010-Feb2011, St Pius X College).
2 - Teacher of Biology (Mar2011-May2011, Royal Belfast Academical Institution)
3 - Teacher of Biology (Jun2011-Dec2011, St Pius X College)
4 - Teacher of Biology and Applied Health & Social Care (Jan2012-Jun2013, Hunterhouse College)
5 - Teacher of Science (Aug2013-Dec2013, Sperrin Integrated College)
6 - Teacher of Biology and Applied Health & Social Care (Dec2013-Apr2014, Coleraine High School)
7 - Teacher of Biology (Nov2018-Nov2018, Bloomfield Collegiate School)

I have taught CCEA A Level Biology since 2011 and I have my own resources which include detailed PowerPoints which contain extra non-assessed information to enhance understanding, enthusiasm and which students have found useful for both university and job interviews as well as general preparedness for undergraduate learning; I make learning logs (useful for university interviews) from science magazine articles and news reports, and I communicate assessed information using colourful and succinct revision sheets.

Tutoring Approach:
I have been tutoring A-Level CCEA Biology since January 2012 and I have enjoyed much success with numerous students. I have taught students from Ballycastle High, Ballyclare High, Ballymena Academy, Banbridge Academy, Bloomfield Collegiate, Cambridge House, Dalriada School, Friends School, Hunterhouse College, Larne Grammar, Loreto College, Our Lady & St Patrick`s, Slemish College, Sperrin Integrated, St Killian`s College, St Louis Grammar, St Malachy`s College, St Marys Grammar Magherafelt, St Pius X College, Strathearn School, Victoria College and Wellington Grammar School.

RESOURCES PROVIDED TO STUDENTS: (i) succinct and colourful summary sheets on a per topic basis, the content of which is tailored to the mark schemes (ii) past paper question booklets on a per topic basis (iii) past paper answer booklets of ALL questions from 1997 to the present year (iv) uploaded videos per topic to aid understanding (v) uploaded learning log resources for extra reading (vi) relevant summarised BBC News reports per topic (vii) detailed PowerPoints per topic to broaden knowledge and instill enthusiasm beyond specification content. These are useful, when combined with learning logs, for university interviews. I share these resources via Google Drive so students need to have an account set up.

I have experience as an A-Level and GCSE Biology examiner for the CCEA board which places me in a good position to enhance the examination technique of my students to obtain high grades

Subjects

Personal Description:
As a child, I learned by being told, by beatings, shaming and a strict examination system. As you can imagine I didn't learn much that I could later apply to my academic life. As a result, I became an inveterate learner, always interested in learning the next thing. At one point, the drive to learn was because I didn't see myself as being good enough. Later on, that drive became an interest in discovering my own abilities as well as about helping others. I have now learned so much about how not to teach that I have gained good insight into how learning happens. I am keen to ensure all my learners learn how to learn and understand how to apply what they discover.

Teaching Experience:
My background is in teaching, training and facilitation. I have over 25 years experience of teaching in different forms having worked within primary, secondary and further education settings. I am an NVQ / TAQA assessor and trained and assessed Parenting Practitioners and other candidates up to Level 5 in Health & Social Care. I have specialist skills in Personal Effectiveness subjects such as Report Writing, Speed Reading, Presentation Skills.

Tutoring Approach:
Being a private tutor used to be the preserve of only those with the highest qualifications and the greatest experience. Now all that's changed.

However good a tutor is, the learner needs to be astute in order know if the tutor is a good match for her / him. Importantly, making the right choice can be complex.
Here are three tips to help you decide if I am or someone else is right for you. The following tips describe how I teach and how I will enable you to be an independent learner.

1. Look for a tutor who can teach you how to learn
Here's a funny thing… learners study a subject, sometimes for months and years and can come away with no long-term memory of the underpinning principles of the subject. As disturbing, they have no ongoing understanding of the subject. They are unable to apply what they tried to learn. This is easily resolved by clearing up past issues with learning. In Applied Scholastics it is now well known that if as a learner, you are helped to do so, you can learn any subject. This is central to how I teach.

2. Look for tutors who understand the main barriers to learning and can help you overcome them
There are three main barriers to study. They relate to confusion over an idea, missing out critical steps and having unclear ideas about the subject under study. Gaining a day to day facility with overcoming those barriers is key to effective and efficient study. I use these methods to help my own reading and study. I will introduce them to you so that you can use them too.

3. Look for tutors who can help you find the information you need so that you keep expanding your own understanding of the subject

Sometimes, a learner during a course of study will find that s/he wants to give up. Have you ever experienced this? Whenever that happens it is because there is something - an idea, a symbol, a form of punctuation, the use of a word, or something else - that you did not understand. Without the proper factual information on this and without the correct knowledge of why and how this happens, the learner will struggle. Without knowing what remedies to apply, the learner will give up.

When you study, you are investing time and energy. In this case, money too. If you want to discover more about how you learn, what your barriers to study are and how to understand more, you will benefit from being an independent learner. That will repay your investment.

Those three critical points should help you decide if I could be right for you. They briefly describe the way in which I would work with you and enable you to be an independent learner.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified and very experienced primary school teacher who can provide high quality Maths and English tuition in your home for primary aged and early Key Stage 3 pupils. I love being able to work one to one with pupils on exactly what they need to help them gain confidence, understanding and make progress to achieve the best they possibly can. I treat each child as an individual and aim to make every tuition session enjoyable and successful, connecting the learning with your child's interests where possible, and always giving plenty of encouragement and praise.

Tutoring is available for children being home-schooled as well as for children requiring a little extra help out of school hours.

Teaching Experience:
I am a fully qualified teacher who taught locally in primary education for 21 years before starting to home tutor children in 2015. I have successfully taught children with a wide range of abilities, including children learning English as an additional language and pupils with special educational needs.

Tutoring Approach:
Building good relationships is very important to me as a basis of effective teaching. Parents and pupils consistently testify to my professional, patient and friendly approach. Every lesson is specifically tailored to each pupil's needs, with pupils enjoying their lessons and quickly seeing the difference that their time with me makes. As far as possible, I channel lessons through the pupil's interests as well as using games, practical resources and visual aids, amongst other resources. Plenty of praise and encouragement is given in recognition of their efforts and to help motivate pupils further. Feedback is provided to parents/ carers at the end of each lesson to keep you fully informed.

If you have any questions or would like more information, I would be pleased to hear from you.

45 minutes and one hour sessions are available - rates vary accordingly.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a retired Deputy Headteacher. Even with Senior Management responsibilities I still taught A level Economics. Whilst I am mature in age I like to think I am young at heart. I think I have a sense of humour. Not certain my wife does!

Even though I have held senior management roles in schools for 20 years Headteacher's have always wanted me to continue teaching Economics.

Prior to entering the profession I worked as a foreign currency dealer in the City. Whilst it paid very well my second favourite job was the stint I had a s milkman. I also spent a summer season employed as a doorman at a disco in a Spanish resort.

My route to becoming a teacher was 'indirect' but I believe the experience I gained outside education proved invaluable in influencing my approach to teaching and the way I relate to students.

I am fanatical Liverpool supporter and since retirement have become a golfer.

Teaching Experience:
I taught Economics at A level and GCSE for 30 years in state comprehensive schools in London and Berkshire.

On average GCSE classes I taught have achieved achieved 70% Level 5 or above.

At A level, classes I taught rarely included any fail results and on average my classes achieved 70% A*-B grades. Even in my last year of teaching a class of 21 A level students secured 86% A*-B grades.

I am very familiar with AQA and Edexcel Syllabi.

I also have been involved in preparing students for Oxbridge. In all, I helped successfully prepare 19 students for interviews at Oxford(to read PPE) and Cambridge(to read Economics).

Upon retiring I had thought my days in the classroom had ended. The fact experienced and trained A level Economics teachers are a very rare breed has led to offers, two of which I found difficult to turn down. I was contacted through UK tutors by Battle Abbey School. They wanted an A level economics teacher to prepare a class for 2/3 of the A level course in 18 weeks! We achieved it with most students securing grades above those predicted.

In Sept 2019 I provided additional Learning for an A level student. The parents were Governors at Gildredge House School. After a few months they asked if I would consider becoming Head of Economics at Gildredge House and introduce GCSE Economics as well as teaching the A level. I did not want such a commitment but would be prepared to teach the Yr12 and Yr13 A level groups.

The Yr13 group had received very little grounding in Yr12 and had not developed the disciplined attitude towards learning. It took time for most of them to trust I knew what I was doing and act upon guidance and advice. Then Covid came! Nevertheless, most students secured results at least two grades higher than those I had predicted for them in Nov 19.

I was asked if I would extend my one year contract as no appropriately qualified and experienced replacement could be found. I am currently teaching Yr13 and Yr12 groups three mornings a week and enjoying it!!

Tutoring Approach:
When first meeting students who have never studied Economics I inform them they do have an understanding of the subject because it affects all aspects of their everyday lives. Wherever possible I will relate economic theories and principles to those real life experiences.

Indeed there are two general approches to teaching the subject:

1. Learn the theories and then apply to real life.
2. Introduce the theories through real life situations.

I adopt the latter approach.

Regarding my approach to student learning in general: wherever possibleI encourage and guide students to think and learn for themselves as it builds self confidence.

My overall approach is to encourage students to enjoy their learning. The subject is difficult requiring a lot of hard work. If students enjoy their learning the studying is less difficult.

I have very high expectations of myself and students. If I take on a student I will expect them to complete all learning tasks on time and to the best of their ability. In return, a student can expect me to provide stimulating, enjoyable learning and all their work assessed with detailed feedback within 48 hours of the deadline.

Finally, I value a learning relationship with honesty on both sides. If a students is unable to complete a task by the agreed deadline I would rather they just tell me rather than devise a convincing excuse. On occasions we all face unexpected circumstances which can derail plans.

This overall approach seemed to receive a positive reaction from students as the subject nearly always attracted largish numbers at A level.

I WOULD BE HAPPY TO OFFER VIRTUAL TUTORING THROUGH ZOOM OR SKYPE.

Subjects

Personal Description:
A qualified teacher and translator, in Arabic and English, with proven ability to translate written documents and act as an interpreter and to teach Arabic to all types of students. Multi-skilled and reliable quick-learner. Able to absorb new ideas and information and communicate clearly and effectively with a wide range of people across social and professional backgrounds. A track record of demonstrating adaptability and resilience in adversity gained over recent years since leaving Syria. Now looking for an opportunity to work as an Arabic teacher or a translator and interpreter for a successful and ambitious company that offers the potential for career development and progression

Teaching Experience:
I have 15 years of experience in teaching Arabic in official schools and colleges. I am a native Arabic speaker and have been teaching Arabic since 2006.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a good knowledge of many teaching approaches and techniques including the translation technique and that of inductive, deductive and so forth.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Morning and afternoon sessions available during weekdays for home schoolers!

I am a fully qualified Primary School Teacher with 30 years experience. I am committed to helping children to achieve their full potential in becoming well rounded, happy individuals who are independent learners. I believe children become successful learners when they are given the right tools for the job. The most important of these tools is confidence in their own ability! I am friendly, approachable and reliable.

Teaching Experience:
I have vast and recent experience of teaching at primary schools at Foundation Stage, Key Stage One and Key Stage Two. I have supported children with a variety of conditions such as ADHD, ADD and ASD. I have prepared children for the Year One Phonics Screening, the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check and for Year 6 SATs. I have a full and detailed knowledge of the National Curriculum.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is flexible and centred around the hopes and aims of the child and their carer. I offer a bespoke curriculum tailored to the needs of the individual child. During our first session I will take the time to get to know you and your child. I will build up a picture of your child's interests, strengths, and also try to identify areas where they feel less confident. There will be some short assessment tasks to complete during this session. These will be delivered as activities and games and not as tests! Then we will discuss possible next steps and objectives. I will use all this information to develop your child's individual scheme of work. This learning path is adaptable and can be changed and modified to suit your child's ongoing progress.
Thank you for reading my profile.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello my name is Rebekah, I've been teaching the piano for 10 years now, with 100% pass rate for exams.

I've been playing the piano for 20 years and enjoy teaching very much!

Online lessons are available, which means I can teach anyone anywhere! By using zoom conferencing or facetime or whatever your preference, all you need is a keyboard or piano.

Teaching Experience:
Playing for 20 years
Teaching for 10 years
Have entered many students for exams all passed!
Achieved to grade 7
Teach up to grade 5

Tutoring Approach:
Fun fun fun!

You only enjoy learning if it's fun so I always make sure of that. But I also make sure that you are getting the most out of the lesson by giving tips for practising at home etc and giving little homework projects to do.

Lessons are half an hour for £15

Please note, lessons are conducted online until further notice.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Ciao! I'm Esmond. I'm a writer, composer, director and artist, and prizewinning History finalist at the University of Oxford, with experience of a broad range of learning environments and teaching styles, and substantial industry experience in music and the creative arts. Deeply passionate about my subjects, I'm dedicated to each of my students and enthusiastic about sharing the joy of learning with them. I tutor History, Music, History of Art and Latin to A-Level, IB and equivalent, and English, Design and Technology (Graphic Design route) and Maths to GCSE/IGCSE. I also provide mentoring, including guidance on personal statements, submitted work, admissions tests and interviews, for students applying to study History and related subjects at both Oxbridge and other universities. More broadly, I work with students at all levels to develop essay writing, research, problem-solving and study skills.

Currently a final-year historian at the University of Oxford, I hold both academic and music scholarships. I attained a Distinction in the First Public Examination, ranking equal fourth across the University. Besides history, my degree has also involved considerable interdisciplinary work in the visual arts, literature, music and folklore, and substantial language work in Latin, French, Italian and Middle English, in which I have research-level proficiency. I have A-Levels in Music, Latin and History (all above 90%), an AS-Level in Maths (A), and 11 A*s at IGCSE and GCSE. I have extensive knowledge of a broad range of history, music, art and literature, with particular expertise in the medieval, Renaissance and early Modern periods, the eighteenth century, the European folk revival, and - in music - post-tonal and contemporary composition, although I also teach more broadly, including on modern topics. I share details of and blog about medieval and Renaissance Italian art, drawing on my own photography and travels in Italy, at Treasures of Renaissance Italy.

My teaching in Music and Design and Technology is further underpinned by extensive industry experience in music (as a composer, director, producer and singer), graphic design and the creative arts more broadly. I produced and artistically directed my first opera production, Monteverdi's L'Orfeo, in 2016, with an international cast of singers from several leading British and European conservatoires, and I'm currently Artistic Director and co-Musical Director of the semi-professional early music and early opera ensemble, Theatron Oneiron, which I founded as a first-year undergraduate. As a freelance composer, my compositions have won competitions at a national level and been performed by such artists as the BBC Singers. I'm also a classically trained, semi-professional singer, currently a Choral Exhibitioner in the Choir of The Queen's College, Oxford, and formerly a Choral Scholar at Guildford Cathedral and Exeter College, Oxford, and member of the Iken Scholars among many other ensembles; and I frequently perform as a recitalist and as a soloist in oratorios and opera productions. I previously studied both piano and violin. In art and design, my experience encompasses both artistic and technical drawing, product design, poster design, and production design for the stage, and my work includes an award-winning scaled model and card model kit of Guildford Cathedral.

Teaching Experience:
I have substantial experience of a range of learning environments and teaching styles, including home education, project- and inquiry-based learning, the Oxbridge tutorial format, and classroom-style teaching in both the private and the state sectors.

I worked as a Teaching Assistant at Chelsea Academy, London, in 2013-14, as part of RGS Guildford's Outreach Scheme there. I have led and assisted classes for year groups and ability levels from Year 7 to GCSE and top to bottom sets, and previously provided mentoring to Oxbridge applicants. More recently, my experience includes one-to-one tutoring in humanities subjects, English as a Second Language, and Music Theory. I have further developed creative and effective coaching and teaching methods in the course of work as both a musical director and stage director, and clear and engaging communication of content and ideas through seminar talks and presentations in the course of my own studies.

Tutoring Approach:
My own teaching style is greatly influenced by my own fruitful experiences of home education (to age eleven) and the Oxbridge tutorial format. I prioritise the greater scope for intellectual flexibility and curiosity, intrinsically-motivated learning, and heightened freedom to range across subjects and pursue individual topics in greater depth according to each student's interests characteristic of both of these learning environments. I combine these foci with rigorous, comprehensive attention to exam syllabi to ensure that teaching and learning remain carefully targeted towards my students' desired grades in any traditional summative assessments such as school entrance exams, GCSEs or A-Levels.

All my tutoring is student-centred, guiding and facilitating my students in their own learning, in contrast to traditional teacher-centred instruction. I work with each student to tailor lessons to their individual learning style and priorities (whether understanding subject material, exam content, or honing particular skills such as analysis or argument). I place particular emphasis on developing a deep-seated passion for learning in my students and on encouraging them to think independently, critically and originally. I am, moreover, dedicated to seeing tangible improvement in each and every one of my students and will always put in extra effort to achieve this end.

Subjects

Personal Description:
With over 35 years experience of creating and managing a number of small businesses I not only have the knowledge of my subject but also the 'real world experience'. I am extremely patient and tolerant believing that everyone has potential and that it is my role to help them achieve it. I provide continuous feedback to students and mark work very quickly.

My Business studies knowledge is in depth and very comprehensive.

I am a Fellow of the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching Business, Employability Skills and IT for the past 25 years. I am a national examiner for OCR GCSE, A-Level and Cambridge Technicals Business Studies.

I also teach SFEDI Level 1 - 3 in Adult Education to a wide range of learners. This is portfolio based work which is continuously assessed by me.

Tutoring Approach:
My style is one of facilitation to encourage students to self actualise in the learning process. I adapt my teaching approach to meet the specific needs of each individual and welcome regular feedback from students about what is working best for them.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Experienced tutor, current Maths with Statistics MSci student at King's College, University of London, who is specific to the student!

I completed my GCSEs, AS and A Levels at the UK's 'Number 1 Ranking' Grammar School - Queen Elizabeth's School for Boys.

I got the highest grades possible for Maths (grade 9 at GCSE and A* at A Level)
Achieved A* at A Level Further Mathematics.
Achieved 9 in Music at GCSE Level. Grade 8 in clarinet, saxophone and piano, and ARSM diploma in clarinet.

I have been tutoring children aged 10-18, including GCSE and A level focus, for the last four years.

Teaching Experience:
Queen Elizabeth's School:

GCSEs - 7 x 9s, 4 x 8s
AS - 4 x A
A2 - 2 x A*, 1 x A (Maths, Further Maths, Physics)

King's College, University of London:

Completed one year foundation in Computer Science
Currently on my second year, studying Mathematics with Statistics (Integrated Masters MSci course)

Private music tuition:
Student results: Distinctions x 5, Merit x 2, Pass x 0, Fail x 0.

Tutoring Approach:
In my experience, I have learned that the majority of tutors just 'turn-up-and-teach' without actually preparing. 'Understanding' is the most important thing when it comes to learning, not 'regurgitating information'. As a tutor, I only get ONE CHANCE to impart 'understanding' in a way that not only clear, but coherent. Not preparing only means the student will only get more confused. But this won't happen with me!!

In my years as a student, I remember my tutors either setting no homework at all, or random questions from some textbook they've just picked out. Pick me as your tutor, and be confident each homework has been uniquely written by myself to complement the lesson that I've taught, which contains routine practice questions, as well as a couple of more challenging ones, designed to encouraging them to 'think' outside the box.

Closer to the exams, I go through years and years of past papers, and pick out the most appropriate previous exam questions - but not too early! It's important my students have developed that deep understanding of the syllabus first. Yes - yet again, my experience has made me realise that too many tutors are using these exam past papers and 'teaching' their students with them, instead of going through the basics first.
Is it a good idea to give a bunch of papers to a student and hope they'll get on with it? Especially when the student isn't ready, perhaps hasn't learned all of the content inside out, and hasn't been walked through a single practice question, let alone an entire paper before? I focus on exam practice, but only at the right time.

Subjects