Bryony

Experience

I have worked within Keystone for almost 10 years and enjoyed seeing both the company and the industry evolve greatly during this time. I have amassed thousands of hours of tuition experience with my wonderful students, watching them grow and thrive academically. Throughout this time, I have been heavily involved in designing and implementing high-impact revision courses, organising comprehensive homeschooling schedules and, of course, helping children one-to-one. My knowledge of the academic curriculum is very well developed and I am aware of not just what a child needs to know, but also how they need to be able to express their understanding. I can decode exams, explain mark schemes and relate tips for format to students, helping them leap up through grade boundaries simply using strong exam technique. Most importantly to me, I can relate to young people and understand what works best for them and will always be adaptable and flexible to make this possible in every session. Understanding individuals and helping them reach their potential is my passion.

Overview:

• Primary English, Maths and Science (Key Stages 1 & 2)

• 7/8+ English, Science, Maths: School entrance exams

• 11+ English, Science, Maths: ISEB and public school entrance exams (inc. Pre-Tests)

• 13+ English, Science, Maths: ISEB and public school entrance exams

• GCSE Maths and Science

• A-level Biology: Edexcel, CIE, OCR and AQA

• A-level Psychology: Edexcel, CIE, OCR and AQA

School Entrance Exams:

• At 7/8+ level I have guided several children successfully through their 7+ examinations for competitive schools such as Latymer and Knightsbridge.

• At 11+ and 13+ level I have successfully prepared students for entry into a wide range of schools including Brighton College, City of London, Eton, Francis Holland, Harrow, Marlborough, Queen's College, Sherborne, Wellington and Westminster.

In General:

Additionally, I am a trained dyslexia and learning difficulties tutor and have an in depth knowledge of specific techniques to help in these instances. I have taught in a special needs school and am aware of the means by which to positively tailor learning to the individual and manage psychological, academic and behavioural difficulties.

Biography

I was born in rural Kent to two archaeologists, gaining fantastic exposure to history and science throughout my childhood and young adulthood. I have always enjoyed academia, achieving highly across my 13 GCSES and 6 A Levels with a strong scientific basis. Following this I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at The University of Manchester where I attained a First Class grade, before working as an SEN specialist in schools and a psychologist in the NHS alongside my role as a tutor. I progressed on to achieve professional qualifications including a clinical diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness and full certification in Equine Faciliated Psychotherapy and Learning (EFP/L). I work as a Psychologist and run my own practice, Hevonen, specializing in EFP, relationship therapy and priority realignement. The skills this gives me lends a great deal to my work as a professional tutor, allowing me to support students and help find new ways to communicate information in memorable ways.

Personal Approach

When tutoring I believe that understanding and motivation rarely arises in the absence of relatability. As such, I aim to make seemingly mundane subjects personally relevant and interesting, rendering abstract concepts far more tangible. This is absolutely integral from Early Years to University education and I often find that a different way of approaching a topic, or a strong analogy is all it takes to make a difficult subject become simple and intuitive.

I also have a great passion for building confidence, and my tutees relate that my enthusiasm and positivity helps a great deal with making them feel positive about working and their own abilities. I am extremely patient and encouraging and will always make sure every child feels they have gained confidence to independently approach any topic I help them with in order to build their self-belief and autonomy.

I am able to help a lot with exam and essay writing techniques; scientific writing and essay construction are things I am very confident in teaching. Meanwhile, my studies into memory lend toward useful techniques in both remembering and understanding information.

What I do when I am not tutoring

From the moment my children bounced into my life, there has never been a dull moment! We cherish time as a family seeking out new adventures and are rarely found indoors. Being outside is very important to me and `I particularly enjoy the time I spend riding our lovely pony through the countryside and teaching my daughter to 'take the reins' herself whilst (of course) hunting down tractors for my little boy.

My children also inspired the launch of my sensory play business, Big Little Brains. Neuroscience and brain development is a key interest of mine and I am passionate about the power of play to help little minds grow strong and healthy.

Beyond leisure activities I run my own clinic, Hevonen, in Haslemere offering therapies including Equine Faciliatated Psychotherapy and Learning (EFP/L), Educational Support for Mental Health/SEN difficulties, Relationship Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). I am passionate about reducing the stigma and confusion surrounding mental health, bringing families together and helping people lead more enriched lives.

Testimonials

"My son is doing well with Bryony. He enjoys his sessions with her and is learning much-needed exam techniques. The Skype sessions are surprisingly seamless and my son has quickly become familiar with how things work. Bryony is lovely and he finds her positive cheery attitude engaging and encouraging. We look forward to continuing with Bryony." Student sittign pre-test to Oundle and Harrow from Singapore

I am thrilled we have had the experience we have with Bryony. Our son is focused, engaged, and, most importantly, enjoying himself. It has been a joy to see him light up with enthusiasm and confidence this week. He speaks very, very highly of Bryony and how learning with her is fun and interesting. We could not be happier. (Mother of 11+ student)

"My son had his first session tonight and it was fantastic! He really liked Bryony and the online system worked brilliantly." Mother of previous student.

"My daughter is very happy and motivated to work with Bryony. She tells me that she's finding the sessions helpful. Our aim for the tutoring is to help embed my daughter's school maths and also to give an extra stretch so that she is working to her full potential. I'm happy Bryony is supporting these objectives. I find Bryony very helpful, responsive and well prepared. Lessons are positive and not at all stressy but I feel my daughter is working hard." (Mother of Year 5 ONLINE student)

'The twins really enjoy their lessons with Bryony and always look forward to work with her. At the end of the lesson, they are usually very excited to tell me about it. Bryony always find a way to motivate them in their learning: she comes up with fun games and rewards.She always comes in with a smile and sets a very good example for the children.We really appreciate her monthly feedback report and are very happy with the progress made by the children so far. (Mother of Year 3 students)

"My son is very happy with Bryony and he never complains when it’s tutoring time. He actually says that he prefers tutoring with Bryony to football! She seems to be able to make the lessons full of fun and she manages to make him complete tasks that he refuses to do with us (e.g. writing a story)! Overall we are very happy." (Mother of Year 2 boy)

"We found Bryony to be a pleasure to work with. My son liked her very much and she was able to keep him happy as well as productive during relatively long sessions, a true accomplishment!" (Mother of primary student)

'Bryony has helped Chloe extensively with her dyslexia and difficulties with Maths. Whilst previously she was struggling to hold pace and had lost motivation, Chloe is now more confident, and happily in league with her academic peers.' (Paula, mother of 9 year old)

'We are very grateful for the effort and determination with which Bryony helped our son retake his Science A-Levels. Her knowledge of exam technique and ability to communicate concepts has ensured him a place in a leading University' (Jenna, mother of A Level student)

'An amazing ability to turn a distracted student's attention into pure focus- Thank you!' (Ben, father of 10 year old)

'Thank you so much for working with our daughter in a way that allowed her to enjoy whilst learning. She is no longer terrified of being wrong and has progressed to top reader in her class!' (Eleanor, mother of 6 year old)

'Bryony helped Harriet to success in her common entrance examination- the use of exam technique and patient motivation was priceless during this time. We are so grateful.' (Martin, father of 14year old)