Tunbridge Wells English Tutors and Tunbridge Wells English Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a qualified secondary science teacher, and I have also tutored a wide range of subjects privately over the past 15 years (mainly sciences, maths and English).

I specialize in online teaching methods, including training other teachers internationally. I have degrees in science, education, creative writing, and linguistics.

Teaching Experience:
- Former Head of Physics
- Examiner for Edexcel, IB and Cambridge boards
- 15 years of private tutoring experience (all three sciences, maths and English Language and Literature to A Level)
- 10 years as a university lecturer in linguistics and academic English

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is supportive and low-key. I think that students have to have time to explore their interests in the subject by asking their own questions. This is an important part of reflective learning and will help build and maintain enthusiasm, and a calm and supportive atmosphere is essential for this.

I make extensive use of past exam questions; the best way to do well in exams is to practise doing exams! This also allows realistic monitoring of performance as tutoring continues. I normally email exam questions for students to attempt before the tutoring session.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a positive and motivated teacher who wants to inspire children to challenge themselves, achieve more and be happy, confident learners. With the right approach and attitude to learning I believe that all children, no matter what ability, race, background or gender can progress and achieve their goals.

Teaching Experience:
Over the past 14 years I have been lucky enough to teach in 3 fantastic schools. I have had experience working with a range of different learning needs, abilities and styles.

As well as teaching I have also busied myself tutoring and have gradually built up a broad repertoire of experience. I have worked with a range of different levels, abilities and needs. I have a solid understanding of the primary curriculum and the skills required to progress through each Year group.

I have an in depth knowledge of the skills and demands needed for 11+ as well working with children to develop their basic reading, writing and numeracy skills.

In addition to this I have taught children with Dyslexia, Autism, ADHD as well as other specific learning needs.

Tutoring Approach:
As a tutor I would say I have a positive, patient and calm style. I understand the barriers children can come across whether it be memory, processing, concentration or anxiety. It is important to try and make learning relevant, memorable and enjoyable-this way the children are more likely to retain information if it is a meaningful experience for them.

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Personal Description:
I am married and have two children in their twenties, both in Higher Education. I am a qualified teacher, hold an Enhanced DBS Certificate and am up to date with current safeguarding training.
I love music, cinema and theatre and have spent part of my working life in professional theatre and television both as a performer and in production. I am widely travelled and well-read.

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced teacher, having worked in Somerset as both a full-time KeyStage 2 class teacher (including 4 years of SATs experience) and as a Supply Teacher. I also taught pupils on the One to One Programme. My Level 5 (TQUK) Qualification in Teaching English as a Foreign Language is a useful skillset to draw upon when teaching English to SATs level pupils.

Tutoring Approach:
Often the barrier to learning is a lack of confidence and self-esteem. It's also important to be clear about what is being learned and why, what's expected of the pupil and how success can be achieved and celebrated. Above all it must be fun!
My tutoring is personalised to the individual. A positive approach, balancing the correct level of challenge with a clear set of achievable next steps should motivate a learner, create a sense of progress and should foster the desire to continue to want to learn. Be positive, Build confidence, Enjoy challenge, Celebrate Success.

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Personal Description:
Confidence is often the stumbling block for learners, and I always encourage all of my students to feel an early sense of achievement. Enabling students to see real progress quickly is essential to the building of self-esteem. I am very approachable and my style of teaching is relaxed and friendly. I love my job and hope that my own enthusiasm inspires my students to excel. Recently I have added French to my repertoire, for absolute beginners. I am sure French will be as popular and exciting as English and Maths have been.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a teacher since 1976. I have taught all age groups, from nursery to A Level. Teaching is a wonderful and totally satisfying vocation. I moved across to tutoring as I felt I could offer all of my experience in this role. Being a teacher is definitely something I was born to do, and I love it.

Tutoring Approach:
Students can learn by either visiting my home or at a distance using Skype. Every student is assessed as an individual and the content of their course tailored to their needs. I test my students periodically to ensure progress is going smoothly; also testing is a good way for students to observe their own progress. We use a variety of materials: books for writing and reading in English, and for revision in Maths; the computer for visual skills and games, listening and speaking is a major part of the programme for EFL students. Children learn in different ways, and I like to offer my students visual, auditory and kinetic tools, we can see which is most comfortable for the individual. The speed of learning is not as important as the confidence of the individual and their inspiration and motivation to progress.

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Personal Description:
I have taught students from countries with widely different cultural aspects, and also have experience of teaching those with learning difficulties. As a result I am an enthusiastic, hard working and culturally aware teacher who plans each lesson with an aim to support and motivate students.

Teaching Experience:
I have 8 years teaching experience, I taught in Peru, Vietnam and the UK both privately and in schools. I am familiar with all types of testing and analysis. I create interactive and re-usable materials, which are useful additions for all levels of learning, which I use for both English and Spanish classes.

UK:

2011- 2020 (EFL - English) - Private Adult Tutoring - Academic, Business & Casual.
2011 (EFL - English) - Burlington School - Ages 14+ to - Levels (KET, FCE, CAE, CPE)

Vietnam:

2007 - 2010 (EFL - English) - American Academy - Ages 6+ to Adult - All Levels
2007 - 2010 (EFL - English) - VUS School - Ages 12+ to Adult - All Levels (FCE, CAE, IELTS)
2007 - 2010 (ELE - Spanish) - Home Tutoring DELE L1 & L2

Peru:

2006 (EFL - English) - Instituto Nova - Ages 8+ to Adult - All Levels

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching approach is all about your comfort and goals.

I can help you with any problem areas that are slowing your learning or confidence in English. I offer all kinds of lessons from 'Conversational' to 'Business' or 'Examinations'.

My first lesson (40 min) is FREE @ my home in Wandsworth, I think it's fair to offer a FREE lesson first, so you can RELAX without thinking about costs.

What courses do I teach?

1. Academic

Exam Preparation for:

• Cambridge: KET (Key English Test), FCE (First Certificate), IELTS, CAE (Cambridge
Advanced).

• Trinity: ISE (Integrated Skills), SELT (Secure English Language Test)

• ETS: TOEFL iBT (Internet-based) & PBT (Paper-based)

2.Business

• General: Meetings & Conference Support, Negotiations, Presentations, Telephone &
Email Support, Marketing & Sales skills.

• Business English Exams: BEC Vantage & Higher and BULATS.

3. Conversational & General English

• Conversational: Pronunciation & Fluency Development, Social Grammar, Phrasals &
Idioms.

• General English: Combined Skills (Pronunciation & Speaking, Reading, Writing,
Grammar and Listening.)

4. Wine Industry: Cultivation, Production & Trade + WSET Exam Preparation.

5. Medical: OET (Ocupation English Test) for Nursing & Medicine

Professions:-

• Dentists
• Healthcare Assistants
• Midwives & Maternal Support
• Nurses
• Paramedics
• Pharmacists
• Receptionists
• Radiologists

Popular Medical Language Skills:

• Medical English: Phrasing & Terminology
• Writing: Patient Reports, Care Plans & Mentorship Assessments etc.
• Communications & Presentation Support for when 'on review'.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a warm friendly, patient, understanding and highly motivated tutor. I have the ability to attend to all your learning needs. I am extremely resourceful and knowledgeable on the subjects I tutor in. I will work out the best way that you learn and teach to your learning strengths. Your success is my success!

Teaching Experience:
I have been a Primary School Teacher and a teacher of English as a Foreign Language for over twenty years. I have experience of teaching all levels of English from pre-school to Business Studies and University essay writing. I have also been a Primary School Teacher for fourteen years.

I have regularly coached students for the SATS tests, 11+, IELTS and some subject specific exams.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is to get to know you the person a little first. I like to establish what specifically you want from the tutoring sessions. When I have established your requirements I can then start to build a profile of your learning; what methods best work for you. Your success is my success.

Subjects

Personal Description:
When I was a boy I was taught by people who were larger-than-life characters who dominated the classroom. They made clear to us boys what was expected of us and that if we didn't make the effort we would simply not achieve the rewards.

As a teacher, I share the same ethos. I expect pupils to follow my lead and work to the best of their ability.

I spend a lot of time reading and thinking.

I think it was George Bernard Shaw who said that 2% of people think, 3% think they think and 95% would rather die than do any thinking at all!

Sadly, I think that over the last thirty years dumbing down and inflated grades have shown how accurate Shaw's assessment was.

I see my role as one of reversing the tide of apathy and mediocrity and encouraging pupils to value themselves as individuals each with unique potential.

I finally achieved my educational potential because I came to see intellectual growth as the only sure path to happiness and fulfilment.

Helping pupils reach the same understanding about their full intellectual potential is my vocation and the foundation on which I build all my one-to-one tuition relationships.

Teaching Experience:
After teaching in the UK Primary and Secondary sectors as well as managing English and History departments in three international schools overseas, I now devote my time exclusively to private tuition.

My experience includes 12 years teaching English and History to GCSE and A level in the UK secondary system and eight years teaching the same subjects to the same levels in international schools in Italy, Egypt and Kenya.

During this time I have always had a number of students on my books for home tuition to provide extra help in Primary, Secondary and University level subjects.

My English GCSE students last year all achieved A-C grades and my A level History student achieved an A (predicted C after Year 12) and is now at university. In previous years, my A level History students have never achieved less than a C and in 2014, I had a student who reached A* and is now studying the subject at Exeter University.

Tutoring Approach:
My experience has led me to believe that one-to-one tuition is the best way to educate pupils. It brings them to the realisation that the whole point of education really is to set us free. It's not easy for a student to discover this when confined every day in a class of 30 or more others! Learning to think independently as an individual, and to read and write fluently enables pupils to participate fully in society, to achieve their full potential and thereby become happy, confident adults. Once the student is enthused and inspired by a tutor to think for themselves there is only one way forward.

I like to encourage pupils to develop independent thinking and logical analysis. Too many schools are teaching the children WHAT to think when they should be teaching them HOW to think. Naturally, many pupils become disengaged and even some of the most talented are simply going through the motions rather than actually studying. This lack of motivation together with highly inflated grades means that many of our youngsters are leaving school with minimal reading and writing skills. Indeed, few now have the aptitude for doing much reading, thinking or writing at all.

I like to build up the student's confidence by establishing their strengths first. Thereafter I identify weaknesses and gauge the student's awareness of them and motivation to put them right. Above all, I encourage my students to read widely and with full concentration. My best students learn to read closely and publish their reviews on Amazon. Aside from the huge adrenaline run, the boost in confidence and proficiency students get from seeing their writing in print is awesome to behold!

To put it simply, when they're reading they start succeeding!

Homework set weekly by me will always involve reading, thinking and writing. My feedback will always concentrate on reinforcing the idea that the writing process never ends with the last full stop. I expect students to read back their work to ensure that their writing communicates their meaning clearly and fluently. Editing with the focus on making the right word choices, organising sentences with the words in the right order and structuring longer writing assignments into coherent paragraphs are all priorities schools are increasingly neglecting thereby greatly hindering the life chances of their pupils..

Once the student and I have agreed which areas need improvement we use lesson time to extend the student's competence and skills by undertaking thinking and written assignments that allow the student to develop these.

Weekly homework set will advance and reinforce the skills the student has been encouraged to bring to the lesson.

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Personal Description:
I am a native Chinese speaking fluent standard Chinese Mandarin and English, and have taught Chinese Mandarin for over 18 years in Birmingham, and currently work part time for a local mainstream school in UK.

I am also an experienced English and Maths tutor and a certified 11+ teacher and have a very good success rate with all of my pupils for passing 11+ tests, successfully grabbed places in local grammar schools and private schools, and achieving higher GCSE grades.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught Chinese Mandarin for over 20 years to students from different countries with diverse linguistic backgrounds in UK. I have experience in teaching Chinese at various levels including GCSE, A level and HSK. I currently work part time for a local mainstream school in UK.

I am also an experienced English and Maths tutor and a certified 11+ teacher and have a very good success rate with all of my pupils for passing 11+ tests, successfully grabbed places in local grammar schools and private schools, and achieving higher GCSE grades.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a patient, passionate and dedicated female teacher and have a track record of helping students achieve top grades and dramatically improve their attainment. My lessons are tailored to meet each student's need, interesting and motivating.

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Personal Description:
A keen third year BSc Chemistry student approaching the final year. I'm a hard working individual that is willing to help students who are trying to achieve great results in their exams

Teaching Experience:
I have worked as a tutor where I use to teach Chemistry and Biology students. I have a lot of classroom based experience and have worked at Kumon tutoring center

Tutoring Approach:
It is very vital that a need of a student is understood and helped them in every possible way. I like to teach the content in full depth with homework provided to the students and some exams practice

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Personal Description:
I am currently a science teacher at a secondary school.

Teaching Experience:
I have 10 years of private tutoring experience and 5 years of teaching experience at secondary school level.

Tutoring Approach:
Teach the way students want to learn - not how teachers prefer to teach.

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Personal Description:
Hello! I am a lively English Language teacher and tutor. I have taught English professionally for five years, and have been tutoring privately for many years, which I really enjoy. I also work as an actress; I work in theatre and on screen. In my free time I go to the theatre (a lot!), and I love yoga and going for brunch with friends.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Teaching Experience:
I have five years of experience teaching EFL/ESOL at all levels.
I have a BA in English from the University of Nottingham (2:1) and a CELTA: Pass A.
I worked at Embassy English Central London teaching English for almost three years until the school sadly closed down. Since then, I have focused more on private tutoring, and I have been teaching ESOL at South Thames College since May 2018.
I tutor privately in EFL and also GCSE English literature and language.

Tutoring Approach:
Each session I teach is different and entirely depends on the needs and requests of the student. I listen to students and design lessons around things they enjoy, what kind of learning they respond to best, and what they want to achieve from their lessons. I like lessons to be dynamic and enjoyable, so I will always try to incorporate a range of activities into a session to maintain interest and aid memorisation!

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Kate, a full-time, professional tutor based in Petersfield (MA in Medieval and Modern Languages from St John`s College, Oxford). I design tailored learning plans to help students achieve their potential.

In 2021 100% of my A-Level students achieved grade A*.

You can enter for a GCSE or A-Level with me directly, or have extra tuition to support your studies at school, college or university.

I offer private tuition and intensive course programmes to build fluency in Spanish, German, English, Portuguese, Italian, French, Catalan and Dutch.

No matter what your level, your lessons will be full of real-world language and will deliver the content and vocabulary that you need to achieve your goals.

Teaching Experience:
I began my teaching career in 2008 with the Government of Andorra as Lecturer of English.

I have since taught privately and at schools and colleges in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Austria and the UK.

During the last 10 years I have mostly been based in Spain, but have also tutored private clients around Europe. In 2019 I opened a dedicated language school in Petersfield, Hampshire and I now offer online tuition too, with students learning for a mix of personal, professional and academic objectives.

Tutoring Approach:
Each course is created according to the student's needs, and is 100% bespoke.

Your course is designed for you, based on an initial consultation and/or questionnaire to help me to understand your learning style and establish clear goals for you.

Lessons often feel relaxed and fairly casual, because in my experience this is the best way to encourage real communication and thought in your target language!

For more advanced learners, there are plenty of academic resources and authentic materials to allow you to engage fully with your language. Courses can include grammar, linguistics, literature and cultural topics.

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Personal Description:
I have wide and successful teaching experience, high expectations of myself and of all my students and a deep love of language, stories and teaching. I have kept up to date with educational research and can therefore offer the best evidence-informed practice to make a real difference to the children I teach. I believe passionately in the power of reading for pleasure as a lever for improving academic success and have converted hundreds of children into confident, independent readers.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught for over 20 years, in state and independent schools and in every year group from Year 1 to Year 13. I have also tutored children 1:1 and in small groups to prepare them for 11+ exams, senior school scholarship exams and to help them keep up if they are falling behind. I have even assisted university students with their dissertations. I am therefore as confident with students of A level Greek as I am helping young children who are struggling with phonics. My students have a track record of success in exams but also learn to love learning.

Tutoring Approach:
Experience has taught me how to adapt teaching to a student's individual needs, experiences and interests. Tutoring is powerful because it is tailored, so I offer personalised lessons which will support, engage, encourage and challenge my students. For English, I generally write my own tuition resources which are adapted specifically to suit the needs of an individual child. For 11+ preparation, I use some published resources to assess where children's strengths and weaknesses lie but then provide my own materials for teaching. For Latin or Greek, I would use courses to structure language learning but, again, supplement this with my own materials.

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Personal Description:
I have over thirty years experience of teaching Latin, English, French and essay-writing skills, both in schools and as a private tutor. I specialise in helping students write their Personal Statements when applying to university or to postgraduate courses.

I am the mother of five grown up children, three of whom went to Cambridge, one to KCL and one to Oxford, and I have also guided many other students into achieving offers from top universities, including many to Oxbridge.

After graduating from Cambridge with a degree in English and Classics, I taught for 2 years before going to Drama school, then moved to Granada TV as a researcher and presenter. The next 14 years were spent working for various TV companies, while also writing for national newspapers and magazines.

In 1992, I moved with my family to Salisbury and went back to teaching, first in a college of Further Education, then at a prep school, and subsequently in independent schools: nine years at St Mary's Calne from which I retired in 2015. I was then invited to , come out of retirement to teach at St Swithun's in Winchester and The Oratory School Oxford.

I no longer teach in the classroom, but continue to offer tutoring in Latin, English, French and Writing Skills. A particular speciality is Personal Statements - helping students with their applications to university. I have helped very many students (both pre-university and postgraduates) write successful personal statements for their chosen courses.

As well as the academic subjects mentioned above, I help with any writing task from an A level or IB essay (especially Theory of Knowledge) to university theses and dissertations. I specialise in Oxbridge help, including suggestions for reading, preparation for entrance tests and interview practice. So far I have helped over 20 students gain places at Oxbridge.

Teaching Experience:
Personal statements

I have helped very many students write their personal statements for application to university - both at undergraduate and postgraduate level. This does NOT mean writing the statement for the student - I do not have the breadth of knowledge to write about Astrophysics or Zoology, but it does mean helping the student clarify his or her thoughts, explain what has prompted the interest in the subject, how he or she has developed this interest, what extra-curricular choices have been made, and why, and how current A levels (or degree subjects) have prepared the student for this application.
For many students, the Personal Statement is the first time they have have to talk about themselves, and for many, it is bewildering knowing how to approach it and what to include and what to leave out.

I help the student by asking him/her to fill in a preliminary questionnaire, (Why this subject? What sparked the interest? Why it's important for the student and for society etc). Next, I ask for a first draft - it doesn't matter how bad or poorly expressed this is. Then, I work with the student - either at home or by Skype/Zoom, talking through the first draft and suggesting adjustments, improvements etc. Next the student writes a second draft, and the process continues until the students is totally happy that the statement says exactly what was intended, and show the student at his/her best.
I have many testimonials from happy students (including over twenty five to Oxbridge) which I would be happy to share on request.

Latin
I teach Latin at Latin Common Entrance, GCSE, A level, and university level. The great majority of my students achieve 9s at GCSE, and As and A*s at A level. Many have gone on to read Classics at university.

English
I teach English literature and language - both critical analysis of texts and and writing skills - from GCSE to university level and beyond. Many students whom I have helped with A level essays have come back to me for help with their university dissertations, applications for Masters, or covering letters for postgraduate job applications.

Essay writing
As well as helping with A level essays in all the humanities (RS, Philosophy, Psychology, History etc) I am an experienced tutor for IB Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essays. I have also advised and guided many students with their EPQs.

French
I teach French to A level and

I teach Classical Greek to GCSE.

Tutoring Approach:
1. My first priority is to let the student know that they are not alone - I am here to help. Just being told this can be immediately reassuring, especially if the student has been worrying for about a subject or project for a long time.

2. The next step is to establish exactly how much the student already knows. Nothing surprises or shocks me, but I have come across students seeking help who haven't got a copy of the relevant book or haven't read beyond the title page. I understand this - life is busy.So I am never critical or judgmental, I am always on the student's side. If necessary, I will provide a copy (years of teaching and a large family mean I usually have several).

3. The next step is to encourage the student into thinking of the subject as interesting. This may mean overcoming any resistance, by chatting, discovering how much they already know (always more than they think - another source of encouragement) and relating it to other areas of interest. One ideas have started to flow the student will begin to realise that not only might this subject/essay not be as bad as feared, it's possible they might find something enjoyable about it.

4. Now we look at the project and ways of approaching it. The key here is structure. Quite often the student's lack of confidence has led to panic and accompanying lack of organisation. So I help sort out files, help put notes in order, and encourage the student recognise which bits of paper are/aren't relevant to their work. This is mental housekeeping - and once order has been established, the student is in a better frame of mind for doing the work.

5. The next step varies according the to the subject.

LATIN.
I ask the student translate until he meets a problem. I then explain the topic- taking care to base it only on what the student already knows and feels confident about. If there are big gaps in knowledge, I start filling them, teaching vocabulary, grammar and syntax in an orderly way and asking the student to record what we have covered in his own written file.We then continue the translation, making sure the student has understood everything we have covered so far. This process is designed to lift the fog and give the student the tools needed to translate confidently

WRITING.
If it's an essay, I encourage the student to look at the title and think about (a) what is it really asking and (b) what ideas can he or she think of in response? These can be written down in any order - at this stage it's a question of getting the thought processes going.
We then discuss how to organise the student's thoughts into a coherent whole. This can be painstaking process - it involves teaching essay structure, and and sometimes even working backwards - going from conclusion back to introduction - but we always finish by knowing exactly what direction the essay is taking.
The final step is to ask the student to write something for next time. It doesn't matter if it's short or badly-expressed, and I always make it relevant to school work. The reason I ask for a piece of writing is
a) the act of writing enables a student to know what he/she wants to say
(b) seeing a student's writing shows me how to approach the next lesson. I can see what element of the writing need work, and plan my lesson accordingly.

OTHER IDEAS FOR READING ETC
I often recommend extra-curricular ideas to make the subject more engaging - films, YouTube extracts, magazines, even books - the student doesn't have to read a whole book - even dipping in and out is helpful and there is nothing more deadening to the love of books than being told you HAVE to read them.

STUDENTS WHO ARE STRUGGLING.
. I do not only help academic high-flyers. I am also offer warm and sympathetic help to students who - for whatever reason - find academic study challenging. I help develop study skills, suggest organisational strategies (for student and parent) and above all, restore lost confidence by showing the student that he really can tackle - and overcome - any problem - just by taking it slowly and making sure he or she understands each step before going on to the next.

WELCOME TO MY HOUSE.
, I'm a great believer in the comforting powers of a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit, as well as the presence of my 2 cats (who, despite being to every lesson I've given, are still rubbish at Latin). For allergic pupils, however, the cats are banished to the garden.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, my name is Danielle and I just love English! I strive to foster a love of and appreciation for Literature in my students. A friendly, highly experienced teacher of English, I love helping keen learners grow in confidence, ultimately achieving the highest standards they can. I will use my genuine passion for the written word and excellent academic subject knowledge to tailor my teaching to your current needs.

Teaching Experience:
Over the past sixteen years I have been privileged to have been able to help hundreds upon hundreds of young learners develop their enjoyment, skills and confidence in English Language and English Literature, and therefore achieve success. I have experience of a variety of educational settings, including the state sector as well as the independent, and teach the full secondary age range - from Key Stage 3 through to A Level.
As a current examiner of GCSE Literature and with past experience examining different specifications for GCSE Language, GCSE Literature and AS Level Language & Literature, I have an extensive knowledge and understanding of what is required to secure good grades.
Other positions I have held have been Head of Year, Head of Drama, Literacy Across the Curriculum and Assistant Faculty Lead.

Tutoring Approach:
I really believe that writing for a purpose motivates potential authors, so last year I submitted the work of over five hundred young people to a number of writing competitions: some reached the higher rounds (BBC 500 Words), one entrant reached the final (Wicked Young Writers) and over seventy had their entries published. In order to get you excited about your writing, I would seek similar opportunities for you to show off your enhanced skills after some lessons on crafting writing! Did you know that great writers grow from great readers? To further develop your expertise in English, I will encourage you to read more widely by setting challenges to broaden your literary diet.

Subjects

Personal Description:
A former Teacher of English at a Grammar School in Greater Manchester (Year 7-13), with experience teaching the AQA, Edexcel and Pearson I/GCSE specification.

I hold a BA HONS in English Language and a Secondary English PGCE (Outstanding)-both qualifications were obtained at The University of Manchester.

I have a detailed insight and understanding of the educational system, as I am an Examiner for AQA (GCSE English Language) and a Senior Assessor for OCR (A-Level English Language).

Teaching Experience:
-Former Teacher of English at a Grammar School
-Secondary English PGCE-(Outstanding), with full Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
-Experience teaching AQA, Edexcel, and IGCSE.
-BA HONS English Language degree
-AQA Examiner-GCSE English Language
-OCR Senior Assessor-A-Level English Language

Tutoring Approach:
I ensure that the tutoring sessions enable students to practise the skills that are required for the exam. This practise leads to familiarity and therefore, an increase in confidence. Written responses are marked by myself and I will give guidance by pointing out areas to improve.
I also frequently share the mark scheme for each question, so that students can understand the elements and areas that examiners seek to reward.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I sincerely believe that each student can thrive in English given the right approach and attention, and so I left full time secondary teaching to become a self-employed personal tutor. I am now highly sought after and love helping secondary students to go beyond everyone's expectations in attaining grades they didn't think they could reach! This isn't something I do on the side or just to earn a little extra money like most tutors - who are also often unqualified, inexperienced and have never marked a GCSE. This is my profession, and my full time dedication.

Teaching Experience:
I am a full time professional tutor and qualified English teacher with over 7 years of experience. I am a specialist in the English GCSEs and am partnered with a qualified AQA examiner. Together we have achieved great pass rates with students from every background imaginable - many of whom were initially convinced they couldn't pass in English - and helped countless students exceed their expectations, go beyond their teacher's predicted grades and attend the schools, colleges and universities of their dreams!

Tutoring Approach:
I believe each student needs a tailored approach that works for them. Teachers are overwhelmed with paperwork and chores that prevent them giving your child the attention they need to achieve everything they are capable of. I know as I used to be one of those teachers! Each student needs a different approach, and that only comes from a private tutor.

What works for all students, regardless of age or background, is the attentive care and guidance of a tutor they trust and respect. I will provide constant feedback and show your child that they are making steady progress to build their confidence, and I love nothing more than showing parent and child the great progress being made!

Subjects

Personal Description:
Free 30-minute introductory session to ensure we are a good fit.

I specialise in KS2 and KS3 English and creative writing with a particular focus on 11+ exam prep. To date, my students have a 100% pass rate for their intended independent schools.

I was not a great student as a child. Rigid and rote teaching sucked all the appreciation I might have had from learning. That is, until I returned to education in my late 20s and, over the course of two bachelor's and master's degrees, discovered just how rewarding it can be. Partly because of this reason (and partly because I simply love sharing knowledge!), I began a new career in teaching and for the past 9 years - with over 600 hours of teaching logged - I have made a point of injecting colour into a learning world that, for many students, has become drab and monochrome.

Outside of teaching, I love my arts and crafts - from drawing and painting to cross-stitching and model-building. I love being creative! And that feeds into my teaching. I'm fairly laidback and relaxed and try to instil that in my students as well and give them the confidence to ask questions without the fear of being rebuked or ridiculed.

Teaching Experience:
My experience as a tutor ranges from lecturing screenwriting at Anglia Ruskin University, where I am an associate lecturer, to almost ten years of tutoring at an advanced studies summer school at one of Cambridge's prestigious colleges, and over 600 hours of private 1-to-1 tuition. In addition to these regular teaching commitments, I am often asked to give lectures on the art of creative writing to visiting international students at Cambridge University.

After some less than pleasant experiences at school, I returned to education in my late 20s. I attended an Access to HE course specialising in creative writing, English literature and journalism, from which I graduated top of my class with a distinction.
I then achieved a BA (with honours) degree in Writing and Film Studies, graduating again top of my class with a first. In addition, I was awarded the McLeod Prize for highest average mark for any student within the entire faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences and the award for Best Major Writing Project, which were the opening chapters of a novel which went on to win numerous literary prizes.

I followed this up with a master's degree in creative writing on one of the top master's programmes in the world (at the University of East Anglia), from which I graduated with a distinction.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that confidence is a big part of success, and confident students make emboldened decisions in their learning, so I will be your child's biggest supporter. Every child is a unique individual who has their own way of learning so every lesson is tailored to their needs with no comparisons or judgements.

The following topics are covered in both KS2 and KS3:
Comprehension; reading; inference skills/verbal reasoning
Grammar; spelling; vocabulary expansion
Creative writing; sentence and story structure; description and characterisation.

Monthly reports will be issued to parents of students to keep you up to date with your child`s progress.

I also provide creative writing for all ages and novel-writing mentoring; and for older students: essay writing skills and editing of university papers. I am the author of eight published novels, which have won numerous awards, and one screenplay/film. I am so passionate about writing that I am constantly reading about it and keeping on top of new techniques. As a result, I have a wealth of knowledge that is wasted on just me alone and I wish to share it with equally motivated people who want to learn more about English and/or creative writing.

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