Meet the Tutors

  • Ashley Arscott - Stiles

    Tutor

    Delivering a range of topics in health and social care:-

    Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care , Level 1 Award Caring for Children , Employability Health Check, Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder, Introduction to Learning Difficulties , Level 1 Mental Health Awareness , Safeguarding Children, Young People and Adults , Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion and Signing in a Care Setting.

    E: Ashley.arscott-stiles@oncoursesouthwest.co.uk

  • Maggie Graham

    Community Learning Tutor

    Art & Crafts, Cooking, Floristry, Foraging, Mosaics, tile painting, soaps, bath bombs, candle making, card making, Jewellery making, glass painting, silk painting and tie dying.

    E: Maggie.graham@oncoursesouthwest.co.uk

  • Laura Foley

    Family Learning Tutor

    I am an experienced Family Learning team member and mainly deliver 2 hr paediatric (babies and children's ) first aid workshops for new parents, carers and grandparents. This is done in partnership with children's centres in the city.

    I also lead some cooking, healthy eating, healthy lifestyle courses. Just like being a parent I turn my hand to other topics when required.

    E: laura.foley@oncoursesouthwest.co.uk

  • Barry Wood

    ICT Tutor

    Teaches subjects on IT and modern Technology. At present concentrating on mini Raspberry Pi computers. This involves programming (Python3), Electronics and Robotics. Also teaches Fusion360 (CAD), Blender (3D Modeling). I am starting courses on 3D Printing Troubleshooting & Maintenance.

    E: barry.wood@oncoursesouthwest.co.uk

  • Laurence Murray

    AAT Tutor

    Currently offering the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting, an internationally recognised qualification. This course is for anyone interested in gaining an solid foundation in finance administration and core accounting skills, including double-entry bookkeeping, basic costing and an understanding of purchase, sales and general ledgers

    I am fully qualified in Level 4 AAT and have 5+ years’ experience working in Accountancy. I am currently studying to become a Chartered Accountant.

    E: laurence.murray@oncoursesouthwest.co.uk

  • Jason Trotter

    BSL Tutor

    I teach Introduction to BSL and Deaf Awareness. This is a great course to teach as I help to create a community where hearing and deaf people can communicate without barriers. With my teaching you will be learning a language which can be used to communicate in secret or across a noisy room!

    E: Jason.trotter@oncoursesouthwest.co.uk

  • Sammy Russell

    Family Learning Tutor

    I teach arts and crafts through family learning. My sessions are centred around wellbeing through crafting and show learners how they can develop creative skills that will positively impact their mental health.

    It is such a rewarding subject to teach, seeing learners grow in confidence in their work and talk freely about how their new found skills have helped their mental wellbeing is really special.

    Don't hesitate, you won't regret furthering your education and taking time to learn a new skill. Be confident in yourself and know that you have such wonderful people behind you with OCSW.

    E: Samantha.russell@oncoursesouthwest.co.uk

  • Jos Wellman

    Cooking, Nutrition & Culinary Arts Tutor

    I have been teaching for 25 years and cooking and teaching are my passions in life.

    I have cooked all over the world since the late 70s and I still consider myself to be a student of the culinary arts. Its never too late to learn something new.

    E: Jos.wellman@oncoursesouthwest.co.uk

  • Diana Apostol-Brown

    Maths & Digital Skills Tutor

    I have been teaching for 15 years and I love Maths because it's abstract and reliable, there's no room for ambiguity. I find solving problems relaxing and calming.

    Maths is the logic and reasoning behind everything we do. Maths helps us understand patterns, relationships and the world around us, while also developing our problem-solving skills. Can be fun sometimes or stressful some other times, but it's always rewarding.

    E: Diana.Apostol-Brown@oncoursesouthwest.co.uk

  • Stacey Hunter

    Art Tutor

    I have been teaching almost 9 years now to a range of ages. Teaching Art is always a dream as there is so much joy and freedom to be found. There is always something new to learn or a new technique to try and seeing others recognise their own improvement and potential is incredibly inspiring.

    As a teacher I have learned the importance of engagement and encouragement as well as being brave enough to try new things. As an adult learner returning to a classroom setting may seem daunting, but it will hopefully also feel familiar as well as new and exciting. Henri Matisse said that ‘Creativity takes Courage’ so why not try something new and see what’s possible!

    E: Stacey.hunter@oncoursesouthwest.co.uk

  • Polly Plouviez

    Art Tutor

    I enjoy sharing my experience of both my journey from training in textile design to my current practice as a painter/mixed media artist. This is my first experience of teaching adults about painting with acrylics. They are my main choice of paint and have been for the last five years. I have experience of working with oils, pastels, gouache and charcoals as well.

    I would say, if you are thinking of taking my class, my aim is to create a non judgemental environment, where the focus is on creativity and play, trying not to worry about 'making it look right' Come and play, have fun and in the process, learn about art materials both traditional and non traditional. Making art is something we can all do and through doing it reap the therapeutic benefits while inspiring new ideas.

    E: Polly.plouviez@oncoursesouthwest.co.uk

  • Gillian Gill

    Functional Skills Maths & English Tutor

    I have been teaching for over 25 years and enjoy it because we need it in our everyday life and because it can be fun and interesting.

    It is daunting to begin with and taking the first step is the hardest part but once you are in class you will find like minded people; friendly and supportive tutors; and a sense of achievement when you realise you can do it.

    E: Gillian.gill@oncoursesouthwest.co.uk

  • Lorraine Anderson

    Health & Wellbeing Tutor

    Using traditional geometry tools of a compass and straight edge I teach the development of intricate patterns and a range of numerical skills found in Mandalas and in Sacred Geometry.

    Life opens up when we start to say yes to possibilities and new opportunities. These courses are fantastic stepping-stones to gain real knowledge and practical transferable life skills. Everything on offer is to help adults access subjects that they either missed out on in school, because many of us are 'late bloomers' and would benefit now by learning in smaller groups. Some learners want to open up their creative impulse or learn to switch off an overactive mind or use the courses as a series of stepping stone towards a new career and grow in inner confidence. Many things becomes possible when you step into your courage and try new things. Try them with us!

    E: Lorraine.anderson@oncoursesouthwest.co.uk

  • Phil Jolly

    Functional Skills maths, Functional Skills & GCSE English Tutor

    I have been teaching for more than thirteen years, nine of which at On Course South West and PACLS. I love teaching maths and English because they are fun, they are useful and they enable learners to gain greater self-confidence and greater access to career development.

    Teaching is wonderful because, at the end of each day, I can always be sure that I will have made a positive impact on an individual or a group of people. It makes getting out of bed worthwhile!

    The hardest task for any adult considering coming back into education to improve their maths and English, is to summon up the courage to come through our door. Be brave! We will welcome you with open arms and guide you each step of the way.

    E: Phil.Jolly@oncoursesouthwest.co.uk

  • Susan Huxham

    Maths Tutor

    I have been teaching for over 20 years and I provide a safe environment in which adults can be encouraged to become confident when using numbers, for the purpose of preparing to take a Functional Skills qualification in numeracy and then move on to take GCSE Maths in the near future.

    I make sure that my classes are fun, friendly and that the learners enjoy the lessons. I actually care about how my learners are feeling and really enjoy seeing them achieve. Not only passing exams but achieving small steps each week.

    Just give it a try. The first step is the most difficult. OCSW will always do their best to support a learner complete their course.

    E: Susan.huxham@oncoursesouthwest.co.uk

  • Claire Stevens

    Science & Maths Tutor

    I have been teaching Science, Maths and more for 23 years. Science helps us to understand ourselves and the world around us and covers a range of fascinating topics, the links to every day life help bring the subject to life. The ability to explore through practical makes science exciting and fun.

    Go for it! Its never too late to learn new skills, change your career or develop!

    E: Claire.stevens@oncoursesouthwest.co.uk

  • Noel Mitchell

    ‘Multiply’ Maths Tutor

    An ex-primary school teacher of 24 years, I now work at OCSW as part of the 'Multiply' Team. I currently visit primary schools across the city and deliver Maths workshops entitled - 'Bag of Number' - to parents of primary aged children, providing them with the confidence to support their children at home with their maths. I also support Functional Skills Maths sessions and create and run parent/child activities for school holidays.

    E: Noel.mitchell@oncoursesouthwest.co.uk

  • Chris Robinson MBE

    Humanities Tutor

    Chris Robinson is Plymouth’s most prolific and probably the best known historian the city has ever had. Educated at Hyde Park and Plymouth College, with degrees from Leeds and Warwick Universities he has been documenting the city in words and pictures since 1978 and to date has written over 30 books on various aspect of life in Plymouth over the last 500 years. Currently working on the first comprehensive history of Plympton, Chris has agreed to share his knowledge and his working methods with anyone who wishes to join him on a brand new course of classes in 2024.

    E: Chris.robinson@oncoursesouthwest.co.uk

  • Andy Breare

    Humanities Tutor

    Andy is a well know face in the South West having been a television reporter and presenter on BBC Spotlight for more than twenty years. For a number of years Andy wrote a weekly column for the Western Morning News. Since leaving the BBC Andy has joined Plymouth Hospital’s Charity as Communications Officer. Andy lives in Plymouth.

    E: Andy.breare@oncoursesouthwest.co.uk