Banchory English Tutors and Banchory English Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a friendly, patient and enthusiastic person who is passionate about supporting children with their learning and enjoys seeing children achieve their full potential.

Teaching Experience:
I have been successfully teaching in the Primary sector for over 25 years and have experience across Early Years, Key Stage 1 and 2. I resigned from my most recent full time post as Headteacher of a primary school, to return to my first love of teaching and now tutor children alongside working part time as a teacher.

Tutoring Approach:
Since I qualified as a teacher in 1996, I have tutored primary aged children in Reading, Writing and Maths. I have also supported many children through Y6 Sats and with the transition to secondary school.

I offer both face to face and online tuition via Zoom.

I offer small group sessions to children of a similar age and/or ability and offer a discount for siblings.

I am DBS checked.

Before I begin tutoring, I assess the child's needs and talk to them and their parents about the support that they would like. I aim to make my sessions as interesting and creative as possible to engage the children and ensure effective learning. The session is spent primarily with me teaching or working through a problem with a child-there's little benefit in a child working through a task independently with me sitting watching!

As a mother, a Primary School Teacher and an experienced tutor, I understand how difficult it can be to support your own child in their learning. I will therefore also support with school homework and extra reading when required.

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Personal Description:
I graduated from Cambridge University with a BA in English Literature, and then from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, graduating with a BA in acting, where I was the recipient of the Noel Coward Scholarship from 2008-2011. In July 2011 I won the Michael Bryant Award at the National Theatre, for verse speaking and Shakespeare.

When I'm not acting or tutoring I can be found in the plumbing, plastering, kitchen or grappling with a cryptic crossword.

CURRENT AVAILABLE SLOTS: 9-10am + 10-11am Sundays, weekly.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a private tutor since 2008.

Currently tutoring students in: 8+, 10+ & 11+ preparation (all four subjects); GCSE Maths. Adult English and pronunciation skills.

Previously: English - KS1, KS2, 7+ (Successful entry to Highgate), 11+ (Successful entry to, Haberdashers' Askes Boys, Trinity, City of London School for Boys, Alleyn's, St Alban's), A Level (A at A Level English and Extended English). Maths - KS1, KS2, 7+, 11+, 13+ (successful entry to Oundle, Haberdashers' Askes Boys), GCSE (grade improved from D to A*). University application assistance (Successful entry to Durham and Oxford). English as a foreign language - including public speaking and native pronunciation and grammar for business professionals.

During my gap year I spent some time as a special needs classroom assistant, working closely with a child with Asperger's Syndrome. This involved facilitating the social and academic change between primary and secondary education on a one-to-one basis.

Also at this time I ran Welsh language games sessions for primary children in non-first-language schools to improve and encourage their use of the language outside of the classroom environment.

Whilst at secondary school I taught reading skills to children who had low reading-ages.

I wrote a thesis on the connections between Maths and acting whilst at Guildhall.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is tailored to the individual's needs; firstly finding ways of fully explaining a concept, then cementing them with useful and memorable material to build students' confidence. My main objective would be to aid the student in understanding not only the specifics of the work but also the broader aspects of it, which I believe provides a truer grounding in - and enjoyment of - a subject. By making the work useful and enjoyable, and by finding alternative and effective approaches to study, I hope that my tuition will shed new light on subjects for students.

My passion is building confidence and fostering resilient approaches to problem solving.

I specialise in tutoring Maths and particularly enjoy helping those students whose confidence in the subject has become a barrier to their learning and enjoyment of the subject.

Previous Students' Comments:

'Before I met Alex, as a dyslexic, I was academically unconfident and dreaded having tutors who had never really helped me before. Alex tutored me from Year 8 to 11 and she completely changed my attitude to studying, helped me develop my organisational skills and gave me a huge amount of confidence in my abilities. As I approached GCSEs she tutored me particularly in Maths where I was struggling with a D grade. Without her expert tuition I doubt I would have been able to achieve my A* in Maths.

I think Alex is an amazing tutor because she has an extraordinary talent for making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience to the extent I would genuinely look forward to our lessons. Alex was far more than a tutor to me, helping me through such formative teenage years. I consider her a friend.'

- Tally

'Alex is a truly outstanding and gifted tutor as well as a fantastic person. I have very much enjoyed being her student for over six months, and have not only learnt a lot due to her expertise and impressive knowledge but also grew to love English Literature because of the inspirational nature of her tutoring. Previously, I used to constantly struggle with my assignments since English is not my first language, however, after a few weeks of sessions with Alex my grades and confidence significantly improved. She has an ability to keep the lessons varied and interesting; always well prepared for lessons - she was kind enough to provide me with extremely useful books and personal notes. Her incredible dedication and hard working nature also deserves mentioning as she was willing to help me even in the evenings when I was panicking about coursework and the approaching exams. With Alex's assistance and firm confidence in my ability I have achieved a high A in my A-level English Literature and even a merit award in Extended English. I would enthusiastically recommend Alex to anyone who wants to succeed in their exams and learn heaps of interesting information.

- Natasza (Graduated with an MA from Oxford University)

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Personal Description:
I am a patient, helpful and responsible individual who enjoys tutoring students and helping them build confidence in their ability to achieve.

Currently my only available slot is Friday 5.30-6.30.

Teaching Experience:
I have 20 years experience working within a school environment, dealing with both primary, secondary age range and adults. I possess a Master's Degree in English together with UK Qualified Teacher Status.

At the moment I work as a Lead Practitioner in a local secondary school in the London Borough of Bexley. I am also tutoring Functional Skills English and ESOL.

I have marked AQA and EDEXCEL GCSE Language papers for the past 5 years, therefore I have excellent understanding of how the marks are awarded for each question in both papers.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that a key feature of effective teaching is balancing the pupils' success against the level of difficulty required to challenge them. Furthermore, I think to teach effectively you need more than good subject knowledge, something that develops with time and experience - professional knowledge and personal style. In my opinion, a teacher should give all the possible help to pupils to gain knowledge and become useful members of the society. Acquiring knowledge in a supportive, fair, friendly and not tense atmosphere is very important. A teacher should be a role model to students, who helps individual pupils to grow and deals with them in an objective way. In my opinion a good relationship between a teacher and pupils helps to overcome the difficulties that may arise during the learning process.

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Personal Description:
I am currently a primary school teacher in Wirral teaching Year 6.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for sixteen years now and thoroughly enjoy my job.

Tutoring Approach:
I aim to help any child experiencing difficulties with maths and English or those who just need a boost of confidence in those areas.

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Personal Description:
The University of Nottingham: BA Joint Honours Spanish and Portuguese
Canterbury Christ Church University: PGCE Spanish and French
TEFL Barcelona: TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign language certificate)

I have completed my PGCE with Canterbury Christ Church University where I have had the opportunity to teach in both the Primary and Secondary School Setting. I have over 10 years experience in teaching and working with young people in a variety of settings.

I am also a qualified TEFL teacher and I have experience teaching all ages.

Teaching Experience:
Canterbury Christ Church University: PGCE Spanish and French

-Year 6 Primary School teacher
-Experience Teaching across Key Stage 2
-Key Stage 1-5 Spanish and French Teacher

TEFL Barcelona: TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign language certificate)

St Joseph's R C Primary School
KS2 teacher September 2012-July 2014

St Leonard's C E Primary School
KS2 teacher September 2014 - July 2016

Vinehall Preparatory school
Year 3 teacher September 2016- July 2018

Private tutor 2011- present day

Tutoring Approach:
-One-to-One lessons
-Group Lessons
-lessons to cater for diverse needs and abilities
-Home tutoring and lessons from my home
-Online tuition available

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Personal Description:
Specialist in GCSE English who gains excellent results in both language and literature. Current Head of Year.

Can teach both Edexcel and AQA English language and literature.

I have completed an LLB Law degree and have furthered this by undertaking a Legal Practice Course. Having previously worked as a Legal Representative for the Home Office I have now left the legal profession; I am now a full time English teacher at a secondary comprehensive school in Dartford. I also volunteer as a local Magistrate. I made the decision to change career as I enjoy working with young people and I feel that tutoring is something that is underrated and hugely beneficial. I have a full enhanced DBS check.

Teaching Experience:
I currently have 12 years experience of one to one tuition.

Having left the legal profession I am now a full time English teacher at a secondary comprehensive school.

I offer tutoring in GCSE and KS3 English; Post 16 Law and IB Film.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that tutoring is a very important concept for some children. Students benefit hugely from one to one information and reinforcement; and it may be a far more effective learning strategy than classroom teaching. I think it is important to first gain an understanding of where a child's strengths and weaknesses lie, in order to focus on the areas which perhaps need improvement. I also value a child's input as they are good judges of what they feel they do well and what they may need help with. The tutoring sessions will move at a pace that the child is comfortable with, and help with homework and coursework will be available. For GCSE and A-Level tutoring of desired essay structuring and revision strategies can be discussed and learned, as these are often overlooked in schools.

I feel that tutoring outside of school may help improve a child's confidence within a school environment, be this in the work itself or in class discussions and for them as a person. It is not always easy for a child to speak up at school, and if they do not understand this may result in them falling behind. As a tutor I am able to reinforce school work at a pace more appropriate for the level of your child, and allow them to develop and learn in a way that is suitable and enjoyable for them.

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Personal Description:
I am an experienced tutor and secondary school teacher with experience at teaching English as an academic subject and as a foreign language.

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified secondary school teacher with experience teaching in secondary schools and further education colleges. I have twenty years' experience of teaching GCSE and A level English and am an examiner for AQA GCSE English and have previously been a examiner for GCSE English Literature and English KS3 SATs tests.

Tutoring Approach:
I have several years tutoring experience on a one to one basis and have found that students can make exceptional progress when the teaching is targeted to their needs and level. I have enjoyed considerable success at enabling students to reach their full potential and particularly enjoy working with the student to towards exam success.

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Personal Description:
Dr Fouzia has been supporting students studying Bachelor's, Master's and PhD for over 14 years, across a range of UK universities (for example, Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Imperial, Warwick) and international universities (for example, Harvard, MIT). Thus, she has extensive experience in working with UK and overseas students, including students from China, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and America. Her work covers the following areas: university pre-sessional courses, sociology, psychology, business, criminology, nursing, health and social care (both at college and university level), childcare, teaching, paramedical science, and beyond.

As an Examination Board Assessor, Fouzia has experience working with a myriad of examination boards, such as C&G, EDEXCEL, AQA, OCR, WJEC, NCC, CIE, ICAAE.

Moreover, her deep understanding of pedagogical principles helps guide her tutorship. Students can reach out to Fouzia out of lesson times via telephone, WhatsApp or email for any queries, progress conversations, target setting and more.

Teaching Experience:
Dr Fouzia offers face-to-face and online guidance for university students at all levels. Her work includes:

Professional editing and proofreading academic assessments for structure, style, logical coherence, clarity, and critical analysis
Proofreading of manuscripts for publication in high-impact journals.
Paraphrasing
Formatting
Reference management
Critical thinking
Critical appraisal of evidence and evidence-based practice
Research topic selection and identifying research gaps
Planning and structuring essays and dissertations
Shaping writing to make it crisp and concise, and reducing wording to reach desired word count
Guidance on report writing and creating PowerPoints for course work
Interpret and perform literature, systematic reviews
Research proposals across all subject
Data collection and analysis for both qualitative and quantitative methodology (manual and electronic analysis ie SPSS/ NVIVO).
Dissertation/ thesis design and methodology
Academic poster presentations
PhD Viva preparation
Time and stress management
UCAS applications
UCAS personal statements
Interview techniques and mock interviews for university/ employment applications

Tutoring Approach:
Dr Fouzia provides a personalised one-to-one service, meeting individual needs of students (incl. ASD, dyslexia, etc) which enables them to actively engage in their lesson, and boost confidence. She is punctual and offers a high standard service, and this is evident in the reviews received from previous students. Her holistic approach has resulted in excellent pass rates (Merits & Distinctions). In addition, being a lecturer, research supervisor, examiner, and interviewer, places her in an ideal position to support you or your child with medical school applications.

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Personal Description:
Ciao! I'm a native Italian speaker fluent in Italian, French and English, with a First-Class Honours degree in Humanities, specialising in History and English Literature. Since 2014, I've been helping learners of all levels develop confidence and fluency in English and Italian-from beginners taking their first steps to advanced learners refining their mastery.

I bring more than just expertise to my lessons-I bring a deep love for language and its structure. My teaching is tailored to each student's goals, pace and interests, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment. I believe that great teaching is a two-way exchange: both tutor and learner grow through the journey.

Whether you're preparing for exams, brushing up your conversational skills, or simply exploring a new language, I'd be delighted to support you!

Teaching Experience:
Ciao! I'm a passionate educator with over ten years' experience helping learners grow in confidence, language skills, and exam success. I hold a First-Class Honours degree in Humanities (English and History), a TEFL qualification, and I'm currently training towards a PGCE in Lifelong Learning-giving me the tools to support both young learners and adult students alike.

For GCSE students, I provide clear, structured support in English Language and Literature, helping learners approach exams with confidence and clarity. My sessions are tailored to your goals-whether it's mastering unseen poetry, tackling tricky grammar, or refining essay technique-with an emphasis on building skills that last beyond the classroom.

For Italian-speaking adults, I offer a warm, welcoming space to build your English or Italian skills at your own pace. Whether you're learning for work, travel, or pleasure, I bring patience, cultural insight, and a flexible approach to make language learning enjoyable and rewarding.

Learning with me means engaging lessons, a supportive atmosphere, and progress you can feel. 📚✨

Tutoring Approach:
"I take great pride in helping learners-especially beginners-gain the confidence to understand, speak, and truly enjoy the Italian language. My lessons go beyond grammar and vocabulary, offering a gateway into the richness of Italian culture, history, and daily life. I aim to create a welcoming, engaging environment where curiosity leads the way and progress feels both natural and rewarding."
✨

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Personal Description:
A calm and patient teacher, with a child centred approach

Teaching Experience:
27 years experience in the primary sector

Tutoring Approach:
Able to cater to personal needs and uses a variety of approaches to cater for different learning styles

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Personal Description:
Hello! I'm Melisa, a passionate Spanish teacher from Argentina with over 10 years of experience teaching students of all ages, from young children to university students, adults and retirees. I graduated in Spanish Teaching as a Foreign Language from the University of Córdoba (Argentina) and have taught in both Argentina and the UK. I am currently pursuing a Master's in Secondary Education, deepening my knowledge of modern teaching strategies and pedagogy.

I moved to the UK in 2016 and learned English as a second language, so I fully understand the challenges language learners face, from shyness to fluency, and I tailor my lessons to each student's needs and goals. I combine academic expertise, practical experience, and a love of culture to create lessons that are engaging, effective, and fun.

Teaching Experience:
• Argentina: Spanish teacher for 3 years, teaching Years 6-11 and Spanish to international university students (from China, Japan, England, Germany, Brazil, and more).
• UK: Teaching Spanish since 2017 to learners aged 2-80, both online and in person. Worked as a Teaching Assistant in KS1 for 3 years, supporting classroom learning and individual student needs.
Experience as a Spanish Language Assistant, preparing secondary students for GCSE and A Levels.
Private tuition: I design personalised lessons for individuals or small groups, including univerisity-level learners, focused on communication, confidence, and exam success.

Teaching Assistant (UK, 3 years): Worked in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, supporting classroom learning for all students. I delivered 1:1 interventions (Speech and Language, Maths) and small group sessions (English pre-teach, phonics and reading). I also completed courses on Speech an Language Support, Autism, ADHD, and behaviour management, equipping me to support students with diverse needs effectively.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that learning a language is most effective when it's interactive, consistent, and enjoyable. In my lessons, I speak Spanish 90% of the time and encourage students to actively participate. I focus on grammar, reading, listening, speaking, and cultural knowledge to provide a holistic learning experience.
• Children: Fun and interactive lessons using games, stories, songs, crafts, and activities. I also integrate strategies from my experience as a TA to support students with SEN, delivering targeted 1:1 interventions and small group support.
• Young learners / Teens: Lessons combining books, videos, and exercises tailored to their level, interests, and exam preparation needs.
• Secondary / GCSE / A Levels: Exam-focused lessons, confidence-building, and strategies for success in all areas of the Spanish language.
• University students: Academic Spanish support, exam preparation, coursework help, and confidence-building for presentation and written work.
• Adults and retirees: Lessons designed around your goals-conversation, travel, culture, or professional development. Flexible, practical, and enjoyable learning at your own pace, with focus on building fluency and confidence.

Why Choose Me:
• Over 10 years of teaching experience in Argentina and the UK.
• Expertise across all ages and levels, including children, teens, adults, and seniors.
• Specialised training and experience in Autism, ADHD, behaviour managment, phonics, reading, and targeted interventions.
• Personalised, student-centered approach: lessons designed to meet your goals.
• Passion for Spanish language and culture, making lessons engaging and meaningful.
• Flexible lessons online or in person, tailored to your schedule and needs.

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Personal Description:
I am an enthusiastic and approachable Teacher who is passionate in teaching children to progress and learn. I am well-organised and highly motivated.
I am flexible in my approach to teaching, delivering in the style of the children's needs and their way of learning. I have high expectations of all students and encourage them to reach their full potential. I use various teaching styles and assessment techniques. Positivity and independence from the children are encouraged.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked as a Class Teacher for nearly 20 years in local Schools. Although my subject specialism is in English, I have an interest in both Maths and English subjects.
I also have significant experience of working with children on a one-to-one basis and in small groups delivering a series of Maths and English GCSE sessions. I have delivered interventions to small groups of children and on a 1:1 basis at primary level. Planning & preparing Maths, Reading, Grammar & Writing activities. Involved planning, creating and organising resources, creating fun, engaging and creative lessons, enforcing independence, delivering skills-led series of sessions, encouraging progression of skills and differentiating activities.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a flexible, adaptable and positive approach to tutoring. My aim is to for children to fulfil their potential. I teach in the style of the children's needs and their way of learning. I am flexible and adaptable. I use various teaching styles, such as the VAK (Visual, Auditory & Kinaesthetic) and identify which one would be the most suitable for the child. I also use various assessment techniques and provide feedback.
I begin a topic by addressing any gaps in children's knowledge and learning. The Learning Objective is clearly focussed upon in each session. I always provide stimulating and engaging activities suited to the child's needs. I introduce each topic and model examples, addressing any misconceptions from the child. Children then have opportunity to complete the tasks and then assess their own learning at the end of each session.
Overall, I am to provide a personalised tuition programme for each child adhering to the requirements of the national curriculum. I aim to deepen understanding by linking activities to the other areas of the curriculum and in wider society.

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Personal Description:
If you are looking for a quality, reliable, professional and a highly successful tutor then look no further! I have not only attained a First Class honours in Bsc Mathematics, however I also have many years of experience, working as a teacher within the Primary sector and currently working in a Private School setting, preparing children for the 11+ exams. Furthermore, I have helped countless children exceed and succeed in the primary sector, ranging from Years 1-6 (Sats and 11+ exams), however I have also helped GCSE students achieve Level 9 in their Maths GCSE's.

Teaching Experience:
I have currently been involved and work in the Primary Sector for the past 6-7 years. I have also tutored for just as much, with a 100% success rate in improving my pupil/students knowledge and confidence within the given area of focus!

Tutoring Approach:
The approach I take is a very calm, rational and easy to learn from approach. Breaking down any given topic into easy to understand and manageable ways. This in turn builds confidence in the child and progression follows.

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Personal Description:
I also enjoy teaching KS3 and GCSE English as I love Creative Writing and am an author myself so I hope to instil the love of writing in my students. I want all my students to feel confident with their writing and develop a way of expressing themselves. I am an experienced head of department and examiner for AQA and Edexcel exam boards.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught in a range of secondary schools for the past 14 years. I have tutored for the past 5 years.

I am an experienced teacher of GCSE English Language and offer lessons for the AQA/Edexcel exam boards. I will be able to go through practice exam questions and model answers each lesson and will help my students to feel more confident in their writing. I have all the latest textbooks and use a range of engaging resources.

Tutoring Approach:
I have an inclusive approach to my lessons and have a particular experience in students who have struggled with their mental health and confidence.
I will tailor the lessons to meet my student's needs and listen to feedback about their preferred learning style and interests.
I will be able to prepare them for GCSE content if requested.

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Personal Description:
I'm a creative, passionate, patient and empathetic teacher and careworker with years of experience supporting children across their primary school journeys to find their confidence and love of learning. Over the years I have worked both in schools as an SEND TA and a mainstream class teacher, and outside of schools supporting families and young people with SEND to access support.

Outside of teaching, I love reading, creating artwork, keeping active, pottering in the garden and discovering new films and podcasts!

Teaching Experience:
I have worked in education for nearly 9 years, starting out as a teaching assistant supporting children with a range of special educational needs which I continued to do whilst studying for a Master's in Psychology of Education and then for my PGCE.

In my time as a TA and then class teacher, I have worked with every year group from Reception to Year 6, gaining a strong awareness of the full primary curriculum and quality teaching strategies to make progress with children across all levels of confidence and experience. I have significant experience supporting children with a range of SEND, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, Down's syndrome, speech and language disorders, brain injury and difficulties with mental health and trauma.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that all learning relies on creating an environment where children feel safe and inspired to take risks, make mistakes and try new challenges. For confident learners, this allows them to take themselves to newer and even more exciting problem solving; for those who are anxious or struggling to access a subject or learning in general, this means they can discover the strategies which work for them and show themselves that they are able to move forwards.

I will always take a child-centred approach, talking to families and children about what is already working for them and figuring out together what barriers they may be facing, so that I can scaffold their learning in the most effective way for them. Sessions will aim for a balance of fun, determination and curiosity, and plenty of opportunities to look back and appreciate what they've achieved.

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Personal Description:
I am a highly qualified, very experienced tutor of all aspects of English, with many testimionials (please ask for details). I teach all abilities and levels, and have high standards both professionally and personally. I teach lower secondary, GCSE and IGCSE (all boards), A level English Literature, English Language, and also Language and Literature. I also offer all aspects of undergraduate English including critical theory and essay/dissertation writing.

I teach both in person and online (currently on Microsoft Teams).

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching English for 25 years, across a range of levels and contexts, and have worked as an A level examiner (senior and principal) for over 15 years. I ran the GCSE provision in a local FE college for 5 years, along with A level and Access to HE teaching at the same college. While I studied for my PhD (in Shakespeare's language) at the University of Birmingham I taught both Shakespeare and introduction to Linguistics at that university and several others in the region, at undergraduate and masters level. I began full time tutoring in 2011, teaching a wide range of levels, from lower secondary to A level and undergraduate. I have high success rates in all of these. I have worked successfully many times with dyslexic students.

Tutoring Approach:
Although I have considerable subject knowledge and experience of delivering all aspects of English, I have learned over the decades that understanding my students and their needs is what makes the most difference. Developing their confidence makes it possible for them to learn more successfully, as I see year after year. English teachers in schools have challenges and pressures that mean they cannot always give individual attention to their students, meaning that they don't get the feedback or support they need. I aim to do just that: to tailor my approach to their individual needs, and work with them towards their goals.

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Personal Description:
I'm Sophie, a fully qualified teacher with eight years of experience across both state and independent schools - and someone who has spent the better part of two decades with a deep enthusiasm for literature, language, history, and Ancient Greece and Rome, and many years developing the craft of helping people think and learn more effectively.

I hold a BA in English from the University of Cambridge and an MA from the University of York, and I bring that depth of knowledge into every session, tailoring my approach entirely to you or your child - your pace, your goals, your ambitions.

Why choose me?
- BA in English from the University of Cambridge and MA from the University of York
- Qualified, experienced teacher with eight years across state and independent schools
- Genuinely enthusiastic about all of the above subjects (yes, even grammar and poetic metre)
- Structured sessions with clear goals - but always room for a good tangent
- Flexible scheduling to fit around school and other commitments
- Sessions available in person or online

Teaching Experience:
- 8 years working in primary and secondary, state and independent schools; qualified as a teacher in 2020
- Taught KS2 English, French, Latin, History and Verbal Reasoning; KS3 English, Drama, French; KS4 English; KS5 English, Media
- BA in English (including French), MA in Medieval Studies (including French and Latin), A-levels in English literature (A*), Film Studies (A*), Classical Civilisation (A), AS-levels in French (A) and History (A)

Tutoring Approach:
Objective-oriented lessons that can be taught from a pre-planned curriculum or decided on a lesson-by-lesson basis. Just been told you have a surprise Macbeth mock in two weeks? Well, that can be what our next session is on!

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Personal Description:
I am Head of Department in a very successful boys school which has a mixed sixth form, and as a teacher with 26 years experience, I am committed to helping my students and tutees grow in confidence to realise their true academic potential in English. I am very proud of the fact that I lead a department in which our student pass rates at GCSE are consistently in the top 10% of the country.
I also have an interest in supporting the mental health of the young people I teach and gained counselling qualifications in order to be a better and more informed support to them. I have worked one to one with some of our students over the years within this capacity.
Although I have always taught English Literature at A level, in recent years I have taught English Language A level and have thoroughly enjoyed it.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught English Language and English Literature at both GCSE and A level across a range of exam boards and I am very confident about what is needed for pupils to be successful at these levels. My own students have consistently achieved grades considerably higher than their predicted grades and those whom I have tutored in the past have also excelled beyond predictions in exams.
A good lesson should leave a student or tutee feeling that they have not only enjoyed the lesson but that they want to do well and try hard. I aim to plan lessons that are interesting and that support students through the necessary skills needed to make progress.

Tutoring Approach:
After assessing the strengths and weaknesses of my students in order to target what skills they need most to develop, I can structure the lessons to support them. I come to lessons prepared with the necessary resources in order to utilise the time we have effectively. As an English teacher, I have exam board resources that may not be available to other tutors and I am able to share these with students. Using model answers or model paragraphs is a particularly effective tool to support students in developing their own answers and this is something that I regularly utilise with the students that I teach.
It is important to develop an effective exam technique and this is something that I work on with GCSE and A level students so that they are more confident going into their exams. In addition, I will always leave some homework for tutees to complete and give them feedback on this in the next session.

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