Information About Ivan - Stone tutor - (25 reviews)
References
This is how 2 referees rated Ivan:
Reliability
Trustworthiness
Professionalism
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Subjects Taught
Maths |
Hourly Rate |
| Primary | £30.00 |
| Secondary | £30.00 |
| GCSE | £30.00 |
| Casual Learner | £30.00 |
English |
Hourly Rate |
| Primary | £30.00 |
| Secondary | £30.00 |
| GCSE | £30.00 |
| Casual Learner | £30.00 |
Entrance Exams |
Hourly Rate |
| 11 Plus | £30.00 |
| 13 Plus | £30.00 |
| 14 Plus | £30.00 |
| Casual Learner | £30.00 |
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Personal Description:
I am an experienced teacher of 36 years having taught in the primary, middle and secondary sectors. I have taught English and mathematics in an inner city comprehensive school with maths and computing specialist status, in addition I have taught in primary and middle schools where I have held two appointments as a mathematics coordinator and was a primary headteacher for 12 years. I regularly tutor on courses for teachers on dyscalculia and how to teach an outstanding lesson. More recently I have worked closely with a number of Universities in the North West as professional mentor to their PGCE students; I mentor teachers who are retraining to be qualified as mathematics teachers in secondary schools; coach primary and secondary teachers on the National College for School Leaders ‘Leading From the Middle’ course. I have a vast experience of working with teachers and other professionals in my position as an associate lecturer with a local university teaching on their post graduate certificate in mentoring, post graduate diploma in education, MA in Education and MSc in Educational Leadership and Management courses. My research interests are in teacher education and continuing professional development particularly in the area of mentoring. I am currently supervising MA and MSc students with research interests in mathematics, Initial Teacher Training and the use of Mentoring as a tool to enhance continuing professional development.
Tutoring Experience:
My teaching experience is wide and varied teaching in primary, middle and secondary schools in addition to teaching for a local university on its MA and MSc courses. I have been working as a private tutor since 1977 teaching mathematics and English to GCSE level to a wide range of students from primary age pupils to adults. I have also tutored adults through access to university courses, following them through their university courses assisting them in their assignments.
Tutoring Approach:
I adopt a friendly but firm approach to tutoring with an expectation that parents will support the learning process.
Tutor Resources: (free to download)
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Native Language: English (British)
Availability: Weekends / Weekdays (all times)
References Available: Yes (✔ On File)
Availability: Weekends / Weekdays (all times)
References Available: Yes (✔ On File)
Qualifications:
- The Open University (2009) - Doctorate in Education (Doctorate) (✔ On File)
- The Open University (1997) - Master of Arts in Education (Masters) (✔ On File)
- The Open University (1989) - Master of Arts in Education (Masters) (✔ On File)
- The Open University (1984) - Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (Bachelors) (✔ On File)
Ivan's Feedback
| Tutees Providing Feedback: | 25 |
| Tutees Providing Positive Feedback: |
Reply from Ivan: Jack (and Laura) are brilliant students to tutor. I look forward to the weekly session: it is relaxed and positive made especially successful by the fact that Laura joins in with the lesson. I can already see the great ability that Jack has but have not, as yet, been able to convince him that he supports the wrong football team!!!
From Jayne (/5): (Primary Maths) My son has only attended 3 sessions with Ivan and he is already increasing in confidence. He thoroughly enjoys the sessions and can't wait until next week! Ivan is incredibly patient and knowledgeable. A great find!
Reply from Ivan: Thank you Jayne. Your son is a pleasure to work with and, because of his enthusiasm and your support, I also look forward to our weekly tutoring sessions.
From Mark (/5): (Primary Maths) I am so pleased with the progress my daughter is making with Ivan. She has found a new interest in the subject and wants to do well. Ivan covers a lot in an hour and engages in such a way he makes maths sound fun to my daughter who is becoming more confident each lesson. I have also found it useful sitting in on lessons, listening to Ivan's patient teaching technique which I can apply at home. 5/5 Ivan is top of the class.
Reply from Ivan: Thankyou Mark for your positive comments. Thankyou also for the support you give at home as this certainly males a great difference to your daughter's success.
From Kathy (/5): (Secondary Maths) Ivan is a dedicated tutor who clearly enjoys helping young people achieve their potential. I honestly thought it was going to be difficult to get my daughter to do some work this summmer but Ivan makes lessons fun and engaging and she is more than happy to do some extra catch up lessons. I would recommend Ivan to anyone looking for a tutor.
From Rebecca (/5): (Primary Maths) My daughter has had several lessons with Ivan. We are delighted with the improvement that we are beginning to see with her maths. My daughter really lacks confidence with maths and Ivan is working with her to overcome this. It is amazing the maths that is covered in an hour and Ivan has quickly built a good rapport with my daughter. As a parent I have found it really helpful to sit in the lesson. This gives me the confidence to help my daughter with maths both for school and homework set by Ivan.
From Frances (/5): (GCSE English) Ivan is a very considerate and patient tutor. He made great efforts to engage with a rather reluctant teenage boy and there was a marked improvement in Alex's English Literature grades after having attended several sessions with Ivan. I would say that Ivan's commitment to Alex's learning went beyond what I would have expected. Thank you.
From Lisa (/5): (Secondary Maths) Very accommodating and nice friendly approach. Will adapt to suit what you need. Very good tutor
From Tracey (/5): (GCSE English) My son has been struggling with English and has had three 2-hour sessions with Ivan so far. I’m really pleased with the progress he’s made right from the first session, and each week he seems to improve his understanding of what’s expected from him. 121 tuition definitely works for my son and does make me wish I'd explored this option sooner. He is taking the commitment seriously and I feel more confident that he will do well in his GCSE exams. He immediately clicked with Ivan, who put him at ease and was very encouraging from the word go - his style of tutoring works well for my son.
I have no hesitation in recommending Ivan.
I have no hesitation in recommending Ivan.
From Dawn (/5): (Secondary Maths) I am delighted that my daughter has recently embarked on private tuition with Ivan. He has made her feel at ease and is always keen to reassure her that with practice she will feel more confident in mathematics.
From Julie (/5): (GCSE English) So glad we found Ivan to tutor our 15 year old daughter (year 10). With GCSE exams on the horizon and coursework already being submitted, Ivans guidance is proving invaluable. Ivan is passionate about the subjects he tutors, there is none of the boring subdued approach so commonplace in many of todays classrooms. It really helps engage and captivate our daughters attention.
We first asked for Ivans help when our Daughters English grade started dropping, after the first session with Ivan a descriptive writing piece graded previously as a C was re-sat in controlled conditions at school using knowledge gained during sessions with Ivan and was re-graded an A!
Our daughter was constantly worried about GCSE work, questioning her own abilities. Despite only having a few sessions with Ivan so far, it has really given her a confidence boost.
The only regret I have is that we didn't find Ivan sooner!
We first asked for Ivans help when our Daughters English grade started dropping, after the first session with Ivan a descriptive writing piece graded previously as a C was re-sat in controlled conditions at school using knowledge gained during sessions with Ivan and was re-graded an A!
Our daughter was constantly worried about GCSE work, questioning her own abilities. Despite only having a few sessions with Ivan so far, it has really given her a confidence boost.
The only regret I have is that we didn't find Ivan sooner!
From Tracey (/5): (Secondary English) Ivan has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders by tutoring my son.joe was someone who hated school and this was getting more and more angry and upset as i battled to get him to go.our relationship was suffering as he saw me as the bad guy who made him go to this place he hated.his attendance was low so i had the school on my back all the time which was causing stress. then ivan came to the rescue,from his first meeting joe got on with him,he actually sits down and does his work. joe has left school and has ivan teaching him for 3hrs per week at our farm.so joe works before he comes and after hes gone so everyone is happy.Ivan is a lovely man and he has time and patience for joe.Also joe learns ivan new things too.Joe is doing a farming Alevel which Ivan researched online.this wouldnt of been possible in normal school.im so happy i made the first step of contacting Ivan.he is just everything we were looking for in a teacher.Please dont hesitate in contacting him.Its worth few minutes its takes .I certainly havnt regreted it. Ivan is always ontime and always has a smile and enthusiasum.I would reccomend this tutour.
Reply from Ivan: Thank you Tracey for those kind words - the real success is all down to Joe! I always look forward to tutoring Joe: he is keen and works hard to achieve his targets. From our first meeting Joe proved he had great ability and now that he is studying for a diploma in Farming and Farm Management, as well as GCSE maths and English, as part of our weekly sessions, it is evident from his enthusiasm that we are working towards his strengths and interests… and it is true - Joe is teaching me a great deal about farming! Thanks also needs to go to Joe's mum, Tracey, who is extremely supportive of our programme of work and provides the means that enables us to put Joe's individual and tailored programme of education into action. I have confidence that Joe will now achieve his educational goals following a purposeful and relevant programme.
From Lindsay (/5): (Casual Learner Maths) I haven't studied Maths properly in years but already I am finding I have the confidence to tackle difficult questions and understand the reasoning behind them. Ivan is very patient and instills a belief that you can overcome your fears and actually enjoy the subject.
Reply from Ivan: Lindsay is determined to achieve the challenging targets he has set himself - his hard work and determination make my job of tutoring him so much more enjoyable.
From Zafar (/5): (Primary Entrance Exams) Found me a good tutor!!
From Paul (/5): (GCSE Maths) Ivan has and is giving our Daughters much need confidence in coping with a very demanding academic year. He has a fantastic abillity to enthuse them in Maths. It is very clear that Ivan has a passion for teaching and ensuring that his students are fully capable of each topic area. He has a knack of keeping attentsion levels focused on the task in hand which our "two" defently needed. Our daughters are now working above there target grades and are even looking forward to taking there GCSE eaxm (i am sure they would not say that but the nerves have been removed). I can fully recomend Ivan with the highest prasie. Ivan You are fab Thanks Paul & Jo.
Reply from Ivan: Paul and Jo's daughters are a delight to teach: after a day at school they are ready again to start a 2 hour lesson. They are focused and keen to learn which makes my job of teaching them so much easier. I hope that they look forward to the lessons as much as I do! Thanks to mum and dad for their continued support and their welcoming manner.
From Julian (/5): (Primary Entrance Exams) A most successful relationship, which really challenged Nadia when she needed a push in the right direction. I thought you had exactly the right balance with her, and without your assistance I think she would have struggled with the entrance exams - as much with the format as some of the more stretching content.
Reply from Ivan: A positive result for all: due to parental support and Nadia's commitment to study Nadia has passed her entrance exam - well done Nadia!
From Matt (/5): (GCSE Maths) When I first came to Ivan I was a bit unsure only from previous teachers and tutors but Ivan was different who put you at ease right from the word go, I once wasn't much for the subject of maths but now I really enjoy it because of the confidence that ivan has given me, well worth your money, a fantastic teacher who I would recommend to anyone.
Reply from Ivan: Matt has shown his potential in maths after such a short period of time. A willingness to learn and a determination to achieve is the key to his success. I look forward to continuing our journey together and sharing in his success.
From Baby (/5): (Primary Entrance Exams) Dr Ivan has been excellent to my children who are preparing for thier entrance exams. Ivan was very polite, friendly and also he was an inspiration to my children.I was very lucky to have Ivan for a short period of time.
From Anka (/5): (Secondary Maths)
From Jane (/5): (Primary Entrance Exams) I'm thrilled with my daughter's progress in maths (in preparation for 11+) with Ivan's thorough and structured work,instantly pinpointing areas which need attention, Scarlett's confidence has soared… I'm delighted to see her enthusiasm in maths return.Ivan makes maths lessons interesting and fun,exactly what we needed.I highly recommend Ivan!
Reply from Ivan: I thoroughly enjoy working with Scarlett - she is keen and enthusiastic and this certainly makes the sessions enjoyable. Thanks also to Jane (Scarlett's mum) who gives an abundance of support and encouragement.
From Margaret (/5): (GCSE English) Mr. Ivan Podharski is a very good and dedicated teacher. He has extensive teaching experience and exposure to different teaching methods and levels. He sincerely cares about all his students and their improvements. In addition, he has a very pleasant dissposition and manners that make him really approachable, which in turn helps a lot with student-teacher communication, so very vital in the learning process. Overall, he is an excellent teacher.
Reply from Ivan: Thankyou Margaret. The learning process is a 2 way process and you, your husband and your daughter all add to the success of the tutoring sessions. You are understanding and supportive and this surely will add to the future success of your daughter.
From Jason (/5): (Primary Maths) I contacted Ivan through First Tutors about 2 months ago. My 7 year old daughter Jaime was having difficulty with her maths at primary school. Some of the other children in her class had been making fun of her when she had got questions wrong in lesson so she was reluctant to put her hand up and answer any questions. She then started to lose interest and had a fear of learning maths.
Since Ivan has been teaching Jaime ( 1 hour a week) the change has been nothing more than miraculous. Jaime now has the confidence to learn maths and is taking a geniune interest in the subject. Ivan has a wonderful way of teaching that makes it all fit into place easily and takes the fear factor away from learning. Jaime now looks forward to her weekly tuition with Ivan and she tells me after every lesson how much she is enjoying it!
Jaime is now starting year 3 and is now looking forward to walking in her new classroom, head held high, ready to show the rest of her class her new found confidence when learning maths!
As a family, we all look forward to Ivan continuing his wonderful maths tuition with Jaime, and as parents helping her along in between her lessons.
Since Ivan has been teaching Jaime ( 1 hour a week) the change has been nothing more than miraculous. Jaime now has the confidence to learn maths and is taking a geniune interest in the subject. Ivan has a wonderful way of teaching that makes it all fit into place easily and takes the fear factor away from learning. Jaime now looks forward to her weekly tuition with Ivan and she tells me after every lesson how much she is enjoying it!
Jaime is now starting year 3 and is now looking forward to walking in her new classroom, head held high, ready to show the rest of her class her new found confidence when learning maths!
As a family, we all look forward to Ivan continuing his wonderful maths tuition with Jaime, and as parents helping her along in between her lessons.
Reply from Ivan: Jason, Thank you for those kind comments!
It is encouraging to learn that the weekly lessons have had such a positive impact at this early stage. However, the success is to be shared between the four of us - Jaime is very responsive and tries extremely hard throughout the lesson and is supported by enthusiatic parents who work with Jaime between lessons reinforcing and consolidating the work covered. I look forward to working with Jaime each week and am confident that she will achieve the high levels of attainment that she certainly is capable of.
Ivan
It is encouraging to learn that the weekly lessons have had such a positive impact at this early stage. However, the success is to be shared between the four of us - Jaime is very responsive and tries extremely hard throughout the lesson and is supported by enthusiatic parents who work with Jaime between lessons reinforcing and consolidating the work covered. I look forward to working with Jaime each week and am confident that she will achieve the high levels of attainment that she certainly is capable of.
Ivan
From Jill (/5): (Primary Maths) Ivan has been an excellent tutor for my daughter. He has been flexible on times and days and has adapted his teaching to meet my daughters needs. I would be happy to recommend him to anyone.
Reply from Ivan: Holly has responded well to one-to-one tuition her success is obviously due to the support that she receives from her mother in addition to the positive attitude that Holly is developing towards mathematics and the extra time that she spends on mathematics between lessons.
From Wendy (/5): (Primary English) Flora has been delighted with the engaging and interesting tutorials that Ivan has prepared.
The content has been appropriate to Floras forthcoming exams and Ivan has worked very hard to prepare her for these.
Flora looks forward to each weekly session and we are delighted with her progress.
Wendy Raichura
The content has been appropriate to Floras forthcoming exams and Ivan has worked very hard to prepare her for these.
Flora looks forward to each weekly session and we are delighted with her progress.
Wendy Raichura
Reply from Ivan: Flora has responded extremely well to her weekly tutorials. The work that we engage in is supported by her family and this has certainly contributed to the high levels of enthusiasm and success that Flora achieves.
I find Flora a real pleasure to teach and, like Flora, I look forward to our weekly sessions.
Dr Ivan E
I find Flora a real pleasure to teach and, like Flora, I look forward to our weekly sessions.
Dr Ivan E
From Holly (/5): (GCSE Maths) We are very pleased with Ivan, he and my daughter get on well and her confiedence has already greatly improved even after just 3 sessions. As with any 15 year old she was not very pleased with the idea of having a tutor but she is now in fact looking forward to her weekly sessions which is an excellent result!
Reply from Ivan: Holly has responded well to private maths tuition. Her determination to aquire the necessary skills and knowledge in order to pass her GCSE with a grade C or above makes the weekly sessions enjoyable.
From Judith (/5): (Secondary Entrance Exams) Dr has been excellent with my 10 year old daughter regarding maths tuition for the Common Entrance exam. Obviously she was not at all keen on having lessons on algebra in the summer holidays but he has made them quite fun and enjoyable for her and she's starting to actually look forwards to them. We are very pleased with her progress after just 3-4 lessons.
Reply from Ivan: Georgina is reponsive and eager to learn, encouraged by very supportive parents.
I’m even learning a bit myself which is an unexpected bonus.
Jack would like me to add that the only thing that lets you down is your choice of football team, you can’t have it all I guess.
Thank you Ivan we both look forward to the next lesson.