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Information About Gillian:

Personal Description:

I am currently completing my thesis for an MLitt degree in Journalism, having passed all necessary modules for my National Council for the Training of Journalists Preliminary Certificates - these include Teeline Shorthand, Scots Law for Journalists, Scottish Public Affairs, News Writing and a portfolio of work.

I also have an M.A (Hons) in English and Scottish Literature from Glasgow University

At high school level I was awarded an A for my Higher English course and a B for my Advanced Higher English course.

Teaching Experience:

I have previously worked as a tutor for a Higher English student and managed to increase his confidence with a close reading exam as well as his personal reading skills.

I have had experience in teaching and aiding children of various ages. I completed a work experience module in a primary school, dealing with P.4-7s for most of the time. I was then a mentor to groups of S.1 and S.2 pupils during my last year in high school.

I have also tutored a foreign language student at University level and proofread her undergraduate dissertation. This experience allowed me to further develop skills necessary for a successful tutor.

Tutoring Approach:

As a recent graduate I am very aware of the pressure involved in exams, and so my approach to tutoring is to make the experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

I believe that the only way to teach a child or young person effectively is to build a rapport with them. The student should always be able to relate to his/her tutor, and with my school days still relatively fresh in my mind, I am able to communicate well with pupils of high school age.

I have always found past papers to be the most effective way of preparing for course and exam work. If a student understands the framework of the test ahead, then the preparation for it can be focused on specific areas for a more detailed knowledge.

With English courses spelling and grammar are always vital, and this is another key area of focus I like to address. I find that encouraging a student to read material which he/she finds engaging, even if it is outwith the prescribed coursework, can help to further the student's vocabulary and textual analysis skills. I am always happy to stray from the coursework for a portion of tutoring time to recommend and discuss ways in which a student can develop his/her understanding of English and literature without it feeling like constant studying.

I have not yet tutored Journalism students but am keen to become more involved in this area. Having recently acquired my NCTJ qualifications, I am very aware of the skills needed to pass these difficult exams, and hope that my experience as a trainee journalist will allow me to impart practical advice to anyone aiming to gain NCTJ accreditation, either now or in the future.

Qualifications:

• MLitt Journalism (NCTJ Accredited)
• Upper Second Class M.A (Hons) English Literature and Scottish Literature
• SQA Advanced Higher English (B)
• SQA Higher English (A)

Further Information:

Availability:	Weekends / Weekdays (evenings)
Types of Tutoring:	Travels to you / Online
References Supplied?	Yes