Nicholas, Lancaster Maths tutor, Lancaster English tutor, Lancaster Entrance Exams tutor, Lancaster English (Foreign Language) tutor

Maths
Primary - £20.00 p.h.
Secondary - £20.00 p.h.
GCSE - £20.00 p.h.

English
Primary - £20.00 p.h.
Secondary - £20.00 p.h.
GCSE - £20.00 p.h.
A-Level - £25.00 p.h.
University - £25.00 p.h.
Casual Learner - £20.00 p.h.

Entrance Exams
Primary - £20.00 p.h.
Secondary - £20.00 p.h.
GCSE - £20.00 p.h.
Casual Learner - £20.00 p.h.

English (Foreign Language)
Primary - £20.00 p.h.
Secondary - £20.00 p.h.
GCSE - £20.00 p.h.
A-Level - £25.00 p.h.
University - £25.00 p.h.
Casual Learner - £20.00 p.h.

Personal Description: **APRIL 2010 UPDATE - New clients this term include two pupils - Years 9 and 12 - from Merchant Taylors School; an A-level student from West Kirby Grammar, a Year 9 pupil from St Anselm's College and one Year 4, three Y5 and two Y6 pupils respectively - in addition to a large number of GCSE students. Please check my latest, unedited client feedback at the bottom of the screen to read about their progress **

Are you becoming a little confused by which tutor to choose for you or your child?

Would you like a tutor who…
* is fully qualified and actually teaching full-time in a leading secondary school?
* has real teaching experience that extends a little 'beyond' just private lessons for his
little sister's friend, Johnny?
* is a fully registered member of the General Teaching Council for England (GTCE)?
* is currently teaching two GCSE classes and is experienced in helping pupils to
attain maximum success in English coursework and external examinations?
* specialises in connecting with "disengaged" teenagers who are at risk of under-achievement?
* promises to provide an effective and honest service with no 'wild claims'?…
* …but who has a proven track record of raising the predicted grades of pupils I have
tutored?
* has been rated 5/5 by each family I have worked with on First Tutors?
* has a recent Enhanced CRB Disclosure?
* is able to back up all of the above with original certificates and testimonials?

If you think I may be the sort of tutor you'd like to work with, I invite you to read on…

Hello, my name is Nicholas and I am a friendly, experienced & diligent teacher who has worked with primary and secondary school pupils across the North West.

I originally studied Italian, Spanish & English Literature at Lancaster University, which took me to Italy for two years where I commenced my teaching career.

Passionate about teaching, I have since worked in state and independent schools across England and Italy - mainly with secondary aged pupils. As well as whole-class teaching, I have a track record of successfully tutoring students from primary age (7 years +) through to adults in one-to-one settings.

I am a fully qualified secondary school teacher, registered with the General Teaching Council (GTCE). I completed my training in a Blackpool high school in March 2007 and latterly undertook my final practice, teaching full time across the age range, in Ripley St Thomas Church of England High School, Lancaster's highly esteemed 11-18 faith school.

In 2008, I applied for and overcame wide-ranging competition to be offered a full time post at the OFSTED "outstanding" Dowdales School in Cumbria - the UK's first 'Coaching School'. Here I am teaching two Year 7 classes, one Y8 and Y9 class respectively, and two mixed ability GCSE classes. I am also a Year 8 form tutor.

Tutoring Experience: I have a wide-ranging experience of teaching Y7 - Y11 in secondary schools around the North West, particularly with classes preparing for Y9 English SATs and Y11 GCSEs. As I am fortunate enough to be working at the centre of a flagship, experienced and successful English department, I am able to share and sample with my pupils some of the latest national strategies and thinking in the teaching of English.

Outside of school, I've intensively private tutored a growing list of Y11 pupils from state and independent schools, many on the C/D borderline; some of my many proud success stories in last year's exam cohort included the boy predicted a grade 'E' who went on to attain a grade 'C' in both English Literature and Language, and the studious but painfully shy girl who was destined, in her words, to "fail" in English who achieved A and high B grades in her coursework pieces thanks to a bit of "re-direction".

I have also taught primary aged pupils in schools in Lancaster, North Yorkshire and Blackpool. I had responsibility, during training, for the teaching of a large Year 6 class of disparate abilities; here I fine tuned my approach in prepararing this age group for end of Key Stage Two SATs. In addition, I have been hired by a number of families whose children needed focused coaching in successfully completing entrance exams to grammar schools such as Lancaster Grammar, and competitive public schools such as Rossall and Sedbergh. Likewise, I have also gained equal satisfaction working with familes to raise the confidence, self-esteem and school progress of young children with a range of learning differences, such as ADHD, dyspraxia and dyslexia. I have already signed up to complete further specialist, new dyslexia training being rolled out by the government for teachers at the end of 2009.

Before going full time in England, I taught English for the British Council in three secondary schools in Italy from 2004 until 2006, gaining fluency in Italian.

In 2006, I worked as a teacher at Dean Close School in Cheltenham, Gloucester, a prestigious South West independent school. I was invited back to Dean Close in July 2007 as Welfare Manager and teacher, and was delighted to be asked back in 2008 to take up the promotion of Brook Housemaster and teacher.

I have been involved with the National Academy for Gifted & Talented Youth (NAGTY) since August 2004, and have worked with a plethora of 11-16 year old academy members from all parts of England, and consequently am aware of the issues some face (i.e. lack of challenge/ poor behaviour because "teachers misunderstand" them) in their regular schools – and would particularly welcome the opportunity to work with parents/ carers in creating “extension/ stretcher” lessons for their very able child.

Tutoring Approach: Well, I do not believe that a good whole-class teacher automatically equates to an effective one-to-one tutor but, having had equal experience of the latter, I feel uniquely placed to decide the strategies that do and don't work when teaching one-to-one.

I am a professional, responsible and conscientious teacher that cares about his students - and really thrives on the increased confidence that many former tutees have gained (testimonials available). The student deserves ownership of their own learning, but by the same token, I won't be afraid to set increasing challenge and pace during lessons - ultimately enabling a student to achieve their personal best in school exams/ general academic development. I meticulously prepare lessons and, unlike some tutors who see their private lessons as a low priority in a busy school teaching schedule, I ensure I leave time to do so.

Most of my work during the past six years has brought me into daily contact with children & teenagers and, as a young teacher myself, I find it easy to build a professional rapport with this (sometimes challenging!) age group. Everything I do is guided by the belief that learning takes place more effectively when children are happy and feel secure. In a pupil-tutor setup, this is essential for accelerated learning to take place.

Qualifications:

• BA (Hons) English with QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) - University of Lancaster
• Spanish & Italian (1st and 2nd year minor/major) - University of Lancaster
• Trinity College, London TESOL (cert) - Liverpool University
• A-levels - Spanish, English Literature, Business Studies & General Studies

Availability: Weekends / Weekdays (all times)
References Available: Yes
CRB Check: Yes

Date Registered:	10/06/2007
Date Last Logged In:	02/09/2010
Tutees Providing Feedback:	8
Tutees Providing Positive Feedback:	8     Av. 5.00/5.00

From Caroline (5/5): Emma really enjoyed her first session with Nicholas. She found his teaching style to be creative, imaginitive and fun. Emma is thrilled that Nicholas will be her regular tutor from September onwards and is looking forward to starting lessons.

Reply from Nicholas: Caroline, I'm delighted that Emma has taken so quickly to the lessons and is eager to develop her skills in English and Maths in preparation for Lancaster Grammar School for Girls. I'm looking forward to working with you and her on a more regular basis from September onwards. Enjoy your summer, Nick.

From Kate (5/5): Nicholas has replied promptly to all enquiries. He has helped my son be more confident approaching his English GCSE. He has been friendly and approachable and formed a good relationship with my son. Thanks Nick

Reply from Nicholas: Kate, thanks for your positive feedback - I've really enjoyed having the opportunity to prepare Martin for his GCSE English exams; with his renewed confidence in the subject, I am sure he will achieve the results with which his intelligence and motivation merits. I wish him the best of luck!

From Charlotte (5/5): Nick has a super attitude towards teaching, which is reflected is his dynamic teaching style. My son thinks he is fantastic and enjoys his lessons. He is engaging, thorough and on the ball. We would happily recommend him to anyone.

Reply from Nicholas: Thank you to both clients for taking the time to feedback on my lessons - I'm sure it will prove useful for other families.

Since her original feedback, Mrs O' Brien contacted me to inform me that, after three lessons, her Year 5 Grandson had completed a practice SAT English exam in school and achieved the highest result in his class of 31 - well done to him!

From Sue (5/5): Nick has an innovative approach to motivating pupils, using games and activities. It's a different way of learning, and my 10 yr old grandson is getting a lot out of his lessons and building up his confidence. Highly recommended!

From Mark (5/5): Nick is very effective and knowledgable, my son has already noticed a difference in his work after only having a few lessons.

From Carole Ann (5/5): Very personable. Spent time getting to know my child and the families expectations of that childs potential. My son responded very well to him and has enjoyed the two sessions he has had.
My husband thought the educational content of part of a session he witnessed was very good.

Reply from Nicholas: Thank you for your positive feedback, Carole - it is very much appreciated.

From Jessica (5/5): Nick has been brilliant with David. David enjoys all the lessons with Nick, he is punctual and has bonded with David brilliantly. He sets David homework, which david willingly does and enjoys it.
The one to one lessons with David have worked and david is improving week by week. I would recommend Nick to anyone, he has been fantastic!

From Howard (5/5): Our son cannot wait for nicks arrival (he sits looking out of the window ) our son is dyslexic and has trouble with spelling, reading and remembering.quite a challenge i thought when i first meet nick(avery well presented young man)but in the words of or son nick as helped me more than my teachers and understands me. what more can we add our son is 13 years old Thanks nick from howard and lynn