Beckenham Tutors and Beckenham Tuition

Personal Description:
Jamie is an award winning writer director of feature films, short films and music videos incl. Radiohead & Coldplay. He has made four feature films to date, 'The Low Down' (2001) starring Aidan Gillen (The Wire/Game Of Thrones) and Kate Ashfield (Shaun Of The Dead), 'The Cry Of The Owl' (2006) starring Paddy Considine (Dead Man's Shoes) and Julia Stiles (The Bourne Identity), 'Treacle Jr' (2010) starring Aidan Gillen and 'Pickups' (2016) also starring Aidan Gillen. All his films have had cinematic releases and have been televised on Channel 4, Film 4 and the BBC.

He has directed many award winning short films. 'I Just Want To Kiss You' starring Martin Freeman won the Fox Searchlight Prize for Best Short Film at the 1997 Edinburgh Film Festival.

His music video for Coldplay's 'The Scientist; won three MTV awards in 2003, Best Director, Breakthrough and Best Group.

Teaching Experience:
Jamie has taught at Reading University for the MA Course in Film Studies, Kingston University BA Film Studies/ The Royal College Of Art, The London College Of Communication, The London Film School/ Central Film School and currently teaches at MET Film School in Brighton.

Tutoring Approach:
I teach every aspect of film making from writing screenplays to editing, shooting, acting workshops, producing and film studies. If you want to make a great short film, or music video, I can help.

I want my students to achieve their full potential. I have a very direct, honest and encouraging approach.

I still continue to make my own films. I teach because I love sharing my knowledge of the film industry.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Do you want to learn a new language?
Do you want to be able to communicate in Greek in real life settings or to conduct business?
Do you need help preparing for school?
Do you need help with homework or revision for upcoming exams?
Do you need help preparing for a language exam?

If the answer is `YES` to any of the above questions then drop me an email or pick-up the phone for a friendly chat.

Greek as a Foreign Language (Beginner to Advanced)
Primary School Greek (All levels)
Preparation for GCSE Greek and CERF exams
Geography & Maths Tutoring

A dynamic and results-orientated teacher with long tutoring experience and a strong background in sciences and languages.
Trustworthy and approachable with strong rapport skills.
Experienced in working with children, young people, and adults across various educational settings.

My schedule is flexible. Please contact me to arrange for a lesson at a convenient time. The location of lessons will be agreed upon at the session booking. Discounts are available for bulk and group bookings.

Teaching Experience:
I am a native Greek speaker with 15 years of tutoring experience.
I have taught languages to both adults and children in summer schools, language schools and private homes on a one to one basis as well as in small groups and classes. I have successfully prepared students for language exams. My pupils have been all levels, from beginners to advanced across various educational settings.

I have also taught Maths & Geography on a one to one basis and prepared students for exams.

I am familiar with the curriculum and syllabi of Greek and Cypriot schools as well as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF or CERF exams) both for Greek and English.

Tutoring Approach:
A strong talent to develop and implement creative, hands-on learning that reaches every student`s learning style and ability, whilst empowering students to succeed and reach their individual goals. Every lesson is tailored to the needs of the student. The use of specific handbooks is determined by each student's desires and needs. The extra material when needed will be provided by the teacher.

I focus on the elements of the language within contexts that are drawn from real-life situations and my aim is a stress-free, creative and engaging learning process. I also use listening and reading material from diverse sources - such as articles, books, songs' lyrics, interviews, social media, online apps and more.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, my name is Max
I have been teaching English as a foreign language for over twenty years in the UK, Turkey and Japan.
I am passionate about the subject and like to let students take things at their own pace.
I do conversation and grammar correction. I have taught IELTS writing. I hold a Diploma in EFL. I am also qualified in art and have taught artist`s skills to foreign language students who are interested.

I am located in the Beckenham area and within 5 minutes walk from two train stations: Kent House and New Beckenham.

Teaching Experience:
Over 20 years in UK, Japan and Turkey. I have worked for 4 schools that were all British council approved.
I offer lectures on Uk History to foreign learners.
I am an established artist in water colour and sketching with a portfolio of over 600 completed works.

Tutoring Approach:
I am passionate about the subject and like to let students take things at their own pace.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a visual artist, born and raised in Italy, currently living and working in London. I am a professional and practising international artist with experience in the art industry in the UK, Europe and Asia. I have an active studio practice and I work mainly with sculpture, casting, installation and analogue photography, but I have extensive experience in painting, printmaking, paper making, drawing.
I have also been working as a studio assistant for several internationally known artists both in the UK and in Europe and as a photographer's assistant.

Teaching Experience:
I have experience in tutoring BA students in two universities in the UK and in teaching privately very young kids, young adults and adults both Italian and Art. I also held art workshops at Tate Modern in collaboration with Central Saint Martins with people of all ages participating.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that learning should be a fun and organic process that both the tutor and the tutee enjoy fully. I believe that each learning path has to be tailored to the student.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Iain was born in 1986 in Dundee, Scotland into a large musical family, so unsurprisingly making music was all that he wanted to do from an early age. He first began to learn the trumpet in school aged seven, before joining his local brass band Dundee Instrumental on cornet at the age of ten. By the age of twelve, Iain had been promoted to principal cornet, a position he later went on to hold with several of Scotland's top bands, also including the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland. Many solo competitions were won along the way - including the junior section at the British Open Solo Championships at age eleven. Having gained two Trinity College diplomas before the age of eighteen, Iain took the advice of teacher David James and moved south to study music at the University of Salford, where his playing really began to blossom. Since then Iain has held positions as principal cornet with many of the UK's leading brass bands including his current seat with the world renowned Leyland Band. He has enjoyed many successful contest and concert performances, and is fast establishing a reputation as one of the finest cornet soloists of his generation, performing, adjudicating and giving master-classes as far afield as the USA, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Japan. In 2009 Iain was the recipient of a prestigious Dewar Arts award, awarded for performance in trumpet. This award allowed him to complete his postgraduate studies at Salford, graduating with an MA in Music (performance) in 2010. Iain is now a cornet tutor at the University of Salford where he is also undertaking researchinto focal dystonia in musicians, working towards a PhD. Iain recorded and released his first solo CD entitled "Vanguard" in August 2012, a release which has been met with great critical acclaim and has fast proven popular.

Iain is also an experienced guitarist and teacher of electric and acoustic guitar as well as the bass guitar.

Teaching Experience:
Salford University, Sefton Music Service, Love Music Trust, numerous private students, masterclasses and private teaching all over the UK as well as in the Netherlands, Denmark, USA, Japan, to name but a few.

Tutoring Approach:
Specialise in advanced students, performance, performance psychology, embochure related problems, and treatment of focal dystonia as well as other performance related problems.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have Completed Masters in Research-(M.Res) in Applied Bio-sciences (Full time) 2008-2009 in the Department of Microbiology at Nottingham Trent University with a First Class. I also have a bachelors degree in Bio-informatics, with Distinction in all semesters with Gold Medal for the most outstanding student.

I also work for Lloyds bank and I have been in managerial positions in past career history. I like to teach in my spare time, as I like to share my knowledge and experience. Most of my students achieve A+ in mathematics, chemistry and biology in GSCE's & A level exams.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught students in my undergraduate college and university.

Have been taking private tuition's for students in maths and science subjects from schools in Newcastle upon Tyne. References can be provided on request.

I have extensive in Chemsketch, Marvin-Sketch, Argus Lab, Swiss PDB viewer, rasmol are my key strengths. My key knowledge in Competent with HTML, Visual Basics, Oracle and C, C++, Perl, Java programming will be of a great help to your firm. The required experience with the all aspects of databases for Bio-informatics and tools.

Working in the environment of people of different nationalities, I have developed the skills of being a efficient communicator. As I have worked and studies on an international level my presentation and communication skills are innovative.

Tutoring Approach:
Firstly I believe the thought of providing a path to a student and showing a way to work towards the goal.

Secondly using real life technical example for making the subject interesting and interactive.

Thirdly , I will surely like to conduct regular test for understanding the level transfer of information from me to the student.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Art and design has been the love of my life since early childhood. Being able to express oneself creatively and with imagination has always been my primary source of independence and happiness. Apart from that, i am also attentive to creative sparks and fires in the people around me, enjoying when the potential is given the chance to be fulfilled. Plus, i am thoughtful and hard working, with a light-hearted and empathic attitude towards people i work with. I am a bit of a connector, a bit of a maven, a bit of a geek and i always wear a sunscreen. I have studied Art and Design in Latvia and in London, have an Interior Design diploma and a degree in Product Design, strong drawing skills, sane knowledge of a range of arts materials, software skills and a spirit for safe experiments.

Teaching Experience:
Sustainable Opportunities Workshop 2011, in collaboration with British Council - designing the workshop and facilitating it.
Private arts tutor for life drawing and modeling, 2007-currently.
Learning Resources Assistant in University of Arts London, advising on materials and software (Adobe CS; Rhino; Solidworks for beginners) 2009-currently.
Arts tutor and group supervisor in Children Summer Camp, ages 6-16. 2007.

Tutoring Approach:
The best tutors in my life have been the strictest ones, with high demands and set standards. I have learned from them well and would aim for the same level of aspiration they have given me. But in addition, my strongest belief is that the best teacher is the one who understands the way his student works and learns and acts accordingly, being an inspirational teacher. Ages 6-99 can all benefit from expression through the different forms of art. First of all I would discuss the needs and desires of stakeholders and form a brief, which would include:
Desired outcomes
Program to reach them
Sourcing materials - what materials are needed
Timetable
Location

Then, we would be set for starting the learning and revealing the wonders of life and ourselves.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My background is in languages and performing arts. I began studying
English at age 8, French at 13, German at 15, and have been
self-taught in Spanish since age 10. I come from a family with a
long tradition in teaching and have always been encouraged to study
and learn, while at the same time inheriting and developing a strong
capacity to explain, train, and encourage.

Teaching Experience:
Since graduating from my Master's course in 2011 I have been working
as a self-employed language tutor in and around London and have
always received more than positive feedback from my clients. My
tutees' ages range from four to seventy-four and I constantly
endeavour to improve myself and adapt my teaching method to my
clients' needs.

Some client reviews:

David
21/03/2020
5/5 Rating

"I`ve been doing Romanian with Maria for a few months now,
initially face to face and now via Skype. I enjoy my lessons
a great. Maria has excellent teaching skills, prepares well for
the class, and provides me with good feedback. Aside from that,
the lessons are fun and I look forward to them. Would definitely
recommend."

Toni
20/09/2018
5/5 Rating

"Only had 3 lessons but I`m loving the way Maria breaks everything
down and explains it. She fills me with confidence by focusing on
the positive from the lessons. Thank you for everything so far :)"

John
14/05/2018
5/5 Rating

"Maria is an excellent tutor, already 2 lessons in and I am picking
up the basics quickly!"

Rebecca
01/04/2018
5/5 Rating

"Prompt, organised, professional and a great teacher!"

Arshad
22/02/2018
5/5 Rating

"Very professional tutor
Highly recommended"

Otis
26/12/2017
5/5 Rating

"Maria is an excellent tutor. She is very knowledgeable and her
lessons are always well structured and enjoyable. She has a genuine
passion for languages which is evident in her thorough preparation
for each lesson. I would recommend Maria."

Polly
24/10/2017
5/5 Rating

"Maria has been great so far!!!"

Tracey
22/05/2017
5/5 Rating

"Maria is an excellent tutor. She is very punctual and happy to be
flexible with the times we can meet. She is very patience and her
explanations are concise and clear. I would have no hesitation in
reommending her."

Mihaela
14/11/2016
5/5 Rating

"Maria is a very punctual and organised tutor and my daughter is
making good progress. She is friendly and supportive and I would
definitely recommend her."

Phillip
31/03/2016
5/5 Rating

"Absolute great tutor, who was professional, personable and patient!
Highly recommended."

Evita
05/11/2015
5/5 Rating

"Maria is teaching German to me and my 7-year old daughter both had
no previous knowledge and I can suggest her as fast progressing
learning teacher. She is strict and well prepared. It`s been a
pleasure working with her."

Luke
23/08/2015
5/5 Rating

"Amazing tutor, highly professional and well qualified! worth her
weight in gold!"

Spiros
07/08/2015
5/5 Rating

"I THE LIKE THE WAY MARIA GOES THROUGH THE LESSON, AND SHE EXPLAINS
EVERYTHING, ALSO SHE IS ALWAYS ON TIME AND FLEXIBLE WITH THE HOURS
SHE DOES.
VERY PLEASED, THANK YOU."

James
20/07/2015
5/5 Rating

"Maria is efficient, focused and hardworking. My 14 year old
daughter enjoys her lessons with Maria."

Teresa
10/02/2017
5/5 Rating

"Maria tutors my daughter and me together in French. Maria is
extremely patient and we are enjoying her lessons. She is really
helping us."

Deborah
12/09/2016
5/5 Rating

"Very patient with lots of energy! Really good with my 6 and 7 year
old girls learning German."

Tutoring Approach:
Although I learned all my foreign languages through a rigorous method very much based on writing and grammar, I am happy to adapt my method to my pupil's needs. Personally, I believe that conversation is the key to becoming fluent in a language, but at the same time I do not neglect the importance of writing and reading comprehension. I therefore aim to split my lessons as evenly as possible between speaking, reading, listening comprehension, and writing assignments.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi my name is Debra and I live in Gunnislake.
I graduated with an MFA in Fine Art at Wimbledon College of Art in London and have a degree in painting and, diploma in art and design.

I specialise in portraiture and figurative art and drawing. I've also worked with iPad painting. My preferred medium is oil and acrylic, charcoals and pencil. Much of my work is done through direct observation and I stress to students, the importance of this. Observational work strengthens the eyes, memory and confidence in what we are looking at, enabling a better observational record. Therefore, plenty of practice, ultimately reaps rewards.
I am passionate about what I do and regard drawing and painting as a form of self expression.

Teaching Experience:
I have eighteen years experience within the Early Years sector.
4 years Private tutoring experience

Tutoring Approach:
I am an extremely motivated and positive person and believe that anyone can be taught to draw. Healthy doses of discussions, listening and the exchanging of ideas is a key component in cultivating the creative mind, alongside plenty of encouragement and positivity. Constructive criticism is also very important and this part of exchange should be delivered with positivity to maximise a productive way forward for the tutee.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a vivid, enthusiastic English and Turkish languages teacher and musician. Languages and teaching are my passions along with my qualifications, so my students have always been content with our interactive lessons.

Having completed my undergraduate degree at Bogazici University, English Language and Literature Department, I had my MA degree at Royal Holloway, University of London, Department of English.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching English and Turkish languages to various levels of students and various age groups have always been my primary occupation.

I'm a qualified English teacher with CertTESOL Level 5 Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages- TRINITY COLLEGE LONDON. + Cambridge DELTA Qualified.
I teach English to students from the beginner level to advance, special qualification English Exams such as FCE, IETLS, First Certificate as well as to native speaker, primary and secondary school students for Key stages 1-4, GCSE, A Level and AS Level.
Furthermore, I'm a Turkish native speaker entitled with a bilingual linguist. The same teaching areas, beginner to advance, GCSE, A Level and AS Level, for students who wants to improve their Turkish.

Tutoring Approach:
My methods are based on inductive presentations, more students talking time than teachers talking time and loads of interactive activities which I'm taught during my teaching experience and most importantly during trainee education.

It is never boring and never passive for either the student or the teacher.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Reliable and qualified Maths Teacher with 20+ years of experience of tutoring individuals and groups. During the pandemic, I have most of my tuitions have been online.

I care deeply about teaching and learning in general and the teaching of mathematics is a particular passion for me. I am a secondary school mathematics teacher with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). I have completed a BSc in Accounting, an ACCA qualification and a PGCE course. I am currently studying for my MSc Education degree. I have 20+ years experience as a tutor and 10+ years as a teacher. I have also worked for an acounting firm for 5 years and worked as a company director for 7 years.

My first session is provided free of charge and I use this session to understand the needs of prospective pupils. At the end of the session, I have a frank and honest discussion with the pupil and/or their guardians. I use these conversations to listen to the concerns of the pupils and/or their guardians and present an outline of my assessment of the student's areas of strengths and weaknesses. I also suggest a course of action to help the pupil move forward.

Teaching Experience:
I have been providing tuition in mathematics for over 20 years and have been a secondary school Mathematics Teacher for over 12 years. I have experience teaching to individual students, to small groups and to classes of up to 35 students. I have helped four year old pupils take their first steps in arithmetic and forty plus year old students finally understand how algebra works.

I have helped students gain confidence in their own mathematical ability when they have been convinced by the academic system that they are incapable of doing well in the subject. I have also helped higher attaining students to challenge themselves and aspire to become even better. Most recently I helped 2 students achieve a grade 9, one for GCSE Maths and another for IGCSE Maths. One of these students also received an A grade for Additional Maths. Three other students, whom I started tutoring at beginning of Year 11, moved up 2 to 3 GCSE grades. Another student I tutored achieved an A* at A Level Maths. I have also helped students prepare for the Selective Eligibility Tests (SET) for Sutton grammar schools. Most of these students gained offers from the school of their choice.

Tutoring Approach:
During the last two decades I have worked with many hundreds of students and have read research studies from academics around the world on the subject of attainment in mathematics. My own experience is in keeping with all the studies I have read about this topic. The overwhelming majority of students can do well in mathematics provided they have the confidence, the techniques and willingness to work hard. Even after only six to eight weeks of tuition, all the students I have tutored have improved by at least one grade or one level.

I tell all prospective pupils there is no magic bullet or shortcut. To achieve success in mathematics a few things are key: understanding the concept well; understanding when and how to apply it in different situations; lots of practice in applying it in different scenarios and short, regular revision sessions. So my only pre-conditions before I agree to work with any student are: a positive attitude; a commitment to put in the time and effort required to bring about the improvement in their grades; and at least one ninety minute session every week.

It is important to me that students should enjoy mathematics and look forward to their sessions with me. To ensure this I use a variety of different resources to explain concepts to students and am a firm believer in using physical and computer based study tools and aides to complement the standard oral and written tools used to teach mathematics. I also believe in linking the mathematics that we study to the real world to increase students' engagement with the topic and their understanding of its relevance. I am very patient and empathetic to my student's needs and once they develop in confidence I encourage all my students to challenge themselves regularly. Depending on the amount of time available, I usually help students cement their mastery of the foundations of arithmetic and algebra before moving on to establish fluency in statistics, geometry and problem solving.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have a BA in philosophy with first-class honours from the University of York, and an MA from the University of Birmingham. A number of my papers have been published, and I was previously an editor of a philosophical journal.

I am a professionally trained, passionate philosopher. I believe in helping students to achieve highly whilst also imparting some of what makes philosophy a wonderful subject. Despite what some people think, you absolutely can maximise both simultaneously. Learning should be fun and rewarding, but still results driven.

Please do get in touch if you have any questions. I look forward to meeting you soon!

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for over four years. I am reliable, dedicated and professional. I have an exceptional history of helping students achieve success.

Tutoring Approach:
I have excellent communicative and interpersonal skills. Philosophy is hard, we will look at things together that some of the greatest minds of the last two and a half thousand years have struggled to grapple with, so although I can never make it easy, I can certainly make it *easier*. I want to help you appreciate the satisfaction of understanding and working with something that was originally very challenging.

In short, work with me if you want someone:

- Professional
- Reliable
- Experienced
- Results driven
- Passionate
- Knowledgeable

We will work on understanding, essay writing, and exam technique. I will also help you to think in a more critical, rigorous manner. I offer a high-quality service that will maximise your chances of success and bring you the highest intellectual return. My excellent reviews attest to this.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a well qualified Medical Doctor, Registered with the General Medical Council UK, for over 40 years and had extensive experience in Clinical Medicine. I practiced Anaesthesiology in the UK for over 20 years(in NHS and Private Medicine) and 20 years in Hongkong and India.
I am a British Citizen. I have retired from clinical medical practice but still registered with the GMC, UK.
I can teach the basic medical sciences viz. Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology and to some extent clinical internal medicine and surgery.
My son is studying in a UK University doing undergraduate studies in Bussines Management.

I am 69 years old and in perfect good health and has a clean UK driving license and social background.

Please contact me should you need more information.

Teaching Experience:
During my working in the NHS as Middle Grade, Registrar, Senior Registrar, and Consultant level in the NHS I had Medical Undergraduates and Trainee Anaesthetists for teaching and training them in the Clinical field. This apart from offering training, from time to time, to para medical staff like ambulance crew and anaesthetic nurses.
Teaching includes basic medical sciences to the level of application as per the requirement of the trainees.

Tutoring Approach:
I can teach as one on one basis or to a group not exceeding maximum of 5. I am available any time from 9am to 9pm including week ends.
I am happy to travel within 10 miles from East Ham. Currently I do not own a vehicle but has plans to procure one in the near future.

Subjects

Personal Description:
A self taught artist from the Philippines specializing in portraiture using acrylic, oil and pastel.

Teaching Experience:
I taught art subjects in university and secondary school for almost 10 years.

Tutoring Approach:
I am project based teacher. I offer different programs for the students to follow so I can monitor their progress. However, I can also help in doing projects or in a specific area that students need help.

Subjects

Personal Description:
A good knowledge and a passionate interest of many areas in IT and smartphone. With over a year varied IT experience, included in these are PC build and repair. A good knowledge of Microsoft Systems and products. An understanding of the IOS model. An excellent grasp of Windows XP Pro and Windows 7,8,10 and Apple systems. A good Apple products repair both hardware and software. An honest and reliable person, with a passionate outlook towards a challenge. Having a flexible can do approach with the ability to work well under pressure to agreed deadlines. Giving attention to detail and a commitment to quality, willing to learn and develop skills according to the job in hand. Experience working in several different environments, adapting various developed skills and knowledge accordingly. Great customer service skills gained from previous sales and work environments and being able to hold discussions at all levels. Constantly studying towards developing knowledge and qualifications to enhance a career in IT.

Teaching Experience:
Self-Employed July 2018 To Present
Smartphones & Tablets Technician
• Repair smartphones, tablets, laptops, PC and MacBook hardware & software.
• Sale all products at online such as Gumtree, Facebook, EBay and Amazon.
• Troubleshooting and resolution of problems and provide data recovery.
• Software/hardware installation/configuration/repair.
• Installing and configuring computer hardware, software, systems, networks, printers, scanners, Internet.
• Troubleshooting system problems and diagnosing and solving hardware/software faults.
• Hardware/Software add-ons.
• Smartphone repair (iPhone, Samsung. Etc) a Plus* Replacing Memory/Hard Drive/Motherboard Non-technical tear down of towers, displays and handheld.
• Supporting the roll-out of new applications and hardware.
• Responding within agreed time limits to on-site requests.
• Setting up new users' accounts and profiles and dealing with password issues.
• Testing and evaluating new technology.
• Disassemble/reassemble down to board and component levels.
• Handles customer requests for technical assistance in a mobile capacity, ensuring timeliness and proper customer care.
• Completes repairs to the required standard and within the designated time period.

Ability Net Volunteering May 2017 - July 2018
C/O IBM Ltd
• IT supports external visiting the clients at their homes.
• Supporting the clients by email and phone line offering advice and information.
• Providing tutorial support to individuals IT capability.
• Solving all problems within IT sector including network, software and hardware issues.

IT Trade Services Ltd Dec 2016 - Mar 2017
Smartphones & Apple Products Technician:
• MacBook & iMac repairing including installation IOS software.
• Apple smartphone and iPad repairing and change parts.
• Laptops repairing and system install windows 10.
• Hardware & Software upgrading.


Pearl Linguistics Ltd Aug 2016 - Jan 2017
Arabic Language Interpreter:
• Engaged freelance for Arabic language with NHS clients.
• Provided Arabic Interpreter with all public services.
• Dealing with private and charity organizations internal and external for Arabic Language interpreter.
New Walk, Job Centre July 2015 until Sep 2015

Department of Work & Pensions (DWP).
Job Title: Computer work Coach Assistant

I worked as part of a proactive team of support staff responsible for delivering a high quality, customer focused professional service. Providing the highest level of technical support and customer service to DWP claimants.
Engaged with Job Centre Plus (JSA) Customer's on a daily basis consistently delivering excellent customer service.
Managed and promoted JCP digital service to support claimants into employment.
Assisted customer on Web Accessible Devices (WADs).
Provided tutorial support to individuals with limited I.T. capability.
Successfully setting up new users e-mail accounts and Universal Jobmatch profiles (GOV.UK jobseeking platform).
Dealing with password issues.
Prioritising issues in a fast moving environment.
Liaising and supporting JCP staff providing first Line Support.
Escalating problematic issues to relevant support staff.
Adhering to DWP digital policies and legislations.
Recorded statistical information to improve customer service.
Developed work experience staff new to the team



Higher Professional College, Libya Jan 2006 until Mar 2011

Job Title: IT Teacher

Specialised in IT teaching skills to adults about different Microsoft packages, such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Teaching adults how to problem solve hardware and software issues.
Preparing lessons and lesson materials, Marking and assessing exams.
Liaised with other professionals and students to discuss progress.
Attended meetings, conferences and events

Tutoring Approach:
I know that every parent wants to help their child perform well and enjoy school. And also know that for many, academic success doesn't always come easily. This is where I really can help.

I offer affordable home study programmes for children aged between 6 and 16, that put a virtual teacher for one-to-one tuition in your home, seven days a week. This virtual teacher will explain and re-explain the hows and whys of each step of the learning process in Arabic, IT and English.

My materials has versions directly based on the National Curriculum and the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence and consider the latest Government advice on teaching children and adults these core subjects.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified teacher of languages Turkish and English over 25 years and offer tuition in Turkish and English to primary and secondary pupils as well as adults. I have taught Turkish and English to many people in many different environments from beginner to advanced levels.I can help you learn the basics of the Turkish language as well as higher levels for any purpose including exam such as GCSE and A-LEVEL. I am a TEFL/TESOL qualified teacher. I love teaching languages and always make the lessons fun and interactive. Tuition can be tailored to individual needs whether it is for exam preparation or just for fun. I will be very happy to help you with learning languages.

Teaching Experience:
With 25 years experience I will be happy to help you.

(BA.)American Culture and Literature Department , Filology / The Ege University,12.09. 1997

Equivalent to Level 6 certified by UK NARIC,10.05.2019

( BA) Initial Teaching Training Department, English-Turkish Language Teacher/The Ege University,12.09 1997• Certificate of attendance in Guidance/Advisory Services from Ministry of National Education / Turkey,05.11,1999

• Seminar certificate in EU Youth Programme Introduction and Project Preparation Seminar from Ministry of National Education / Turkey,26.10.2007
• Training seminar of EU Action 1.2 Youth Entrepreneurship Projects,Turkey. 18.05.2011
• Assessment of Evaluation Seminar/Turkey,14.05.2010
• Seminar certificate in EU Educ. Prog. Preparing Seminar: Erasmus + Program from Ministry of National Education / Turkey, 10.01.2014
• Seminar certificate in Seminar for Children with Special Needs and Special Education (SEN) Strategies from Ministry of National Education / Turkey, 22.01.2010
• Seminar certificate in School Health Seminar from Ministry of National Education / Turkey,22.07.2008
• Course certificate in Exam Responsible Education Course from Ministry of National Education / Turkey,29.04.2007
• Seminar certificate in Speed Reading Techniques from Ministry of National Education / Turkey,19.10.2007
• Seminar certificate in Learning Leader Teacher Seminar from Ministry of National Education / Turkey,28.06.2012
• 7-11 Years Age/ 12-18 Years Age Children and Family Education from Ministry of National Education,2017
• Participation certificate of Basic Occupational Health and Safety from Izmir Provincial Directorate,25.10.2017
• 0-3 years Family Education Programme, 29.01.2011
• Basic Education Programme for Family 0-6 years, 04.03.2010
• Course completion certificate in Child Development and Education, 2016
• Certificate in Basic Computer Trainig 18.04.2008
• Certificate of Use of Competence Based Learning in The Youth Work / Antalya Turkey,07.07.2012
• Training and Networking Projects Inclusive / Istanbul Turkey,14.06.2013
• Seminar certificate in Training Seminar of EU Action 1.2 ( Erasmus +) in Netherlands,03.03.2015
• Certificate of attendance in Social Expressive Laboratory: From MY-Learning to OUR-Learning from Coop. Soc. L`Arcobaleno Servizi in Italy,05.02.2011
• Certificate in Comenius/ Grundtvig 1-week Teacher Training Course from ITC International in Praque,13.09.2013
• Certificate in Modern Languages in the Primary School: Total Immersion Course in English from LFEE Europe / Confluence Scotland,01.08.2009
• Certificate in Developing Oral Fluency in the Primary English Language Classroom from IPC Exeter/England,19.06.2010
• Level 2 Teaching Assistant Diploma 06.06.2020
• The Complete Send Diploma Level 2&3&4 06.06.2020
• 120 Hour TESOL/TEFL CERTIFICATE 11/01/2021

Tutoring Approach:
• Demonstrated sound work ethics.
• Self motivation, initiative with a high level of energy.
• Able to inspire, comfort, build self-esteem.
• Excellent communication skills. (children and parent oriented)
• Ability to listen to children and parents.
• Knowledge of developmental theory and corresponding practice of education.
• Stress and time management ability.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I prepare a course which is personalised to the needs of the students.

Teaching Experience:
I taught English in Italy for 31 years. During this time I taught in a High School to students aged 14 to 19. I am also experienced in teaching students of any ages from young children to adults and any level.
I am a Cambridge prepared teacher and an examiner for Cambridge B1 and B2 level.

Tutoring Approach:
I use an eclectic method and arrange the lessons according to the needs of the student.

Subjects

Personal Description:
PLEASE SEE 'TUTORING EXPERIENCE' BELOW FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF THIS PAGE, THE RESULTS AND FEEDBACK

I am an Oxford graduate (English language and literature, first class), as well as a qualified English teacher, and have been tutoring since 2013. My specialism is A-level English literature.

Please get in touch for online English tuition, particularly if you are or your child is

• Preparing to take A-levels in 2026/27
• Doing coursework
• Working on the basis of continuous assessment, mocks, etc.
• Or planning to do / doing an English degree

I graduated from the University of Oxford with a double first in English language and literature, winning the prize for the best performance in English finals at Mansfield College, and the college essay prize. At school, I was awarded eleven GCSEs at A-star and three A-levels at A.

As well as tutoring, I have worked as a researcher, a copywriter, and a proofreader. I have also completed a PGCE in secondary English at the UCL Institute of Education, the highest-ranking college of education in the world ('QS World University Rankings'), during which I taught all age groups at two west London secondary schools, and received A's for my master's-level assignments. I am currently pursuing a PhD in English literature at the University of Buckingham.

As well as English tuition at any level, I can help you or your child with the following:

• Oxbridge entrance (the admissions process, practice interviews, the ELAT, etc.)
• Essay surgery - how to structure and write an essay
• How to revise - note-taking, organisation, making connections, committing to memory
• Grammar, punctuation, and style (a.k.a. 'usage and abusage')
• Speech-writing and public speaking
• Proofreading and redrafting essays
• Suggested reading and resources, including access to my library of 'TES' resources
• Creative writing
• How to annotate, analyse (and enjoy) English literature - sometimes known as 'close reading' or 'practical criticism'
• If you'd specifically like written feedback on your writing - more like a correspondence course - then I can also provide that.

In my spare time I enjoy cycling, writing, and photography.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring since 2013, teaching English at all levels (including degree level), as well as A-level religious studies and classical civilisation. I have taught AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC/Eduqas, and CAIE (Cambridge International), and am constantly familiarising myself with the new texts that my students are studying. I have experience helping students who have autism and ADHD. And I am interested in the role of generative AI and large language models in education, not to write students' essays for them, but as research assistants for students and teachers alike. It is of course important that students do not get the likes of ChatGPT to write their essays for them, among other reasons because they will not be able to do so in the exams. Tutoring is well placed to discourage this, since it has always been my practice to ask my students many questions about every essay they write.

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A student, June 2025: 'thank you very much for all the sessions! It has not only boosted my confidence in English literature but they really reminded me of how much I love the subject. It's always a pleasure to discuss nuance readings of the texts, and it has been a great help leading up to my exams.'

Charlotte, a parent, June 2025: 'Thank you so much for all your help and support for [L.]. We are so grateful for everything you have done with him and wish you all the best.'

Ann, a parent, June 2025: '[Z.] has thoroughly enjoyed her lessons with you and has gained so much from your guidance. We're very grateful for all the support you've given her.'

A parent, May 2025: 'Thank you so much again for everything you've done to help [G.] prepare for these exams - he has really enjoyed his sessions with you and he and we really appreciate your support'.

A parent, May 2025: '[N.] just received the below. It's an A* if the grade boundaries is same as last year. She couldn't have done it without your help. We really appreciate it.'

A parent, February 2025: '[S.] is really enjoying studying with you and has gained a lot of confidence in English. I truly appreciate the effort and dedication you put into teaching.'

A student, January 2025: 'thank you ever so much for your kindness and creative encouragement the past months. What is very special about you as a tutor is that you have never told me "what to write". Instead, you have asked me questions about my work that have led me to discover what I truly wish to write'.

Kate, a parent, December 2024: 'We're so pleased [G.] is enjoying his sessions and seems to be really motivated to read widely in between sessions, is making useful structured notes (which he didn't do before) and his confidence and awareness of what he needs to do when essay writing is really building. Thank you!!!'

Eleni, a parent, December 2024: 'I just wanted to let you know that [D.] received an offer […] today! She is super happy! […] I wanted to thank you again as [D.] found your sessions incredibly helpful and inceased her confidence during the exams process.'

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A-level results, August 2024:

'I wanted to write to say a huge thank you to you for all the help, support and inspiration you have given [E.] over the past year. You have not only given her the technical advice and support to help her make the most of her essays and exams, but more importantly you have helped her keep the love of the subject alive. I know a big part of the reason she is so excited to study English at university is because of how much she has enjoyed your conversations, and how you have helped her to consider texts in a way that the rather narrower scope of teaching at school does not allow. I am so very grateful to you and I really appreciate all the time and effort you put into her sessions - thank you so very much. […] You've been so great, and any other student/parent would be lucky to have access to your teaching.'

'I have just opened my results and am happy to confirm that I am off to Bristol this September with an A* in English! I just want to thank you again for making this possible.'

'I got an A in English, and will be going to Exeter, so mission accomplished. I wanted to thank you for all your help, not only for helping me to get what I needed, but for giving me back my confidence and enjoyment of the subject in the process.'

'Just to let you know [I.] got her results this morning and achieved an 'A' in English. We are over the moon […] Thank you again for all your help with the English, it's much appreciated.'

'thanks for your help this past academic year! Got two A*s in English and Philosophy'.

'I got a B and I was accepted into my firm university (Durham) which I am very happy! Thank you for all your help and support.'

'I was really happy to receive […] A in English Literature […] I secured a placed at my firm university. I will be studying English Literature at Durham University this September and I am very excited! Thank you so much for all of your support, I really appreciate it!'

'i got into Warwick with […] an A* in English!!!!! I am very happy :) Thank you for all your hard work, wisdom and wit over the last year or two'.

'Thank you so much for all your coaching and advice that you shared with [L.], it made such a difference to his confidence leading up to his exams. He is (as are we) delighted with his English result.'

'an A awarded in English […] so she is off to her first choice of Edinburgh University to study History of Art and English Literature.'

'Results day went well and I'm going to the university of Kent. Thank you so much again for all the time spent helping me to prepare for my exams it means a lot I'm very excited to continue my English literature journey.'

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A student, June 2024: 'Thank you so much for being the most amazing English teacher! It has been an immensely rewarding and interesting journey exploring so many books […] I have learnt so much from GCSEs to continuing with more amazing literatures in A-levels'

A student, June 2024: 'I […] wanted to say thank you for the tremendous help you have provided with the English content throughout the A level period. The resources that you provided for me were quite helpful in refining my knowledge in many areas of the syllabus so thank you very much.'

A student, May 2024: 'I've just received the results for my english coursework and wanted to thank you for all the help and feedback!!'

A parent, February 2024: 'your help has kept her love of the subject and her enthusiasm alive and I can't thank you enough for that.'

A parent, February 2024: 'You were such a huge help to [S.], we will always be very grateful to you.'

Kath, a parent, February 2024: 'We would both like to thank you for all your invaluable help, especially all the helpful feedback on the coursework essay. [S.] has definitely learnt a lot and grown in confidence, especially in her knowledge of Twelfth Night.'

A student, January 2024: 'I just wanted to let you know that I got an offer from Oxford! Thank you so much for checking over my personal statement and all the help that you have given me since GCSEs. I really enjoy our sessions every week, the discussions keep me constantly creative and thinking.'

A parent, January 2024: 'Thank you as always for all your continued help and support for [E.]. I know she gets a tremendous amount from your sessions and I'm very grateful.'

A student, January 2024: 'Just emailing to let you know I did get an offer from […] Cambridge yesterday so thank you so much for all your help! It is really appreciated and I'm really looking forward to starting my degree in October!'

A student, December 2023: 'So thank you so much again for all your help; your insights have been very useful and I have really enjoyed talking about literature with you.'

Tara, a parent, November 2023: 'you are really helping [R.], he is becoming much more confident. Thank you so much'.

Paula, a parent, November 2023: '[M.] is always delighted with your teaching. You are asking questions no one else does. My husband and I see her grow academically after every session with you.'

Liz, a parent, October 2023: 'Thank you so much for all the work you have done with, and the kindness you have shown, [E.] to date. She really enjoys her sessions with you, and you've helped keep her enthusiasm for English very much alive. I'm so grateful.'

Kim, a parent, August 2023: 'I cannot tell you how happy we all were and your help was clearly instrumental in that. Not sure if he told you but he got 12 points above an A* and it was his best A level result!'

A student, August 2023: 'I really enjoyed our lessons and think it has really helped prepare me for the Oxford style tutorials.'

A student, August 2023: 'wanted to let you know I ended up getting an A* in English, thanks so much for all the help!'

Mark, a parent, June 2023: 'Many thanks josh for your help this year. [E.] has said to me it has really helped, you started assisting her at a time when she felt behind her class mates for the whole of the first year, having switched to English half way through term one.'

Melanie, a parent, June 2023: 'Thank you so much for all your time and effort with [T.]'s English literature. She really enjoyed your sessions together and it really boosted her confidence and inspired her to think more deeply and critically about the texts. It also confirmed that she is happy and excited to study a literature based course at degree level.'

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A-level results, August/September 2022:

'[L.] came home from university yesterday to attend her school prize giving ceremony, and this morning as she was leaving she asked me to let you know that she won a special prize in English […] Until last night, she wasn't aware of any of her awards, apart from her scholarship, so it was all a lovely surprise. Furthermore, the essays she wrote in her A level English exams have somehow found their way into her teachers' hands; they told her, with beams of pride , that the three marks dropped overall were actually in her *non exam* assessment, so 30/30 in all questions across all papers under exam conditions, something she had never achieved before. She had admitted to me in the aftermath of the exams that when she was writing her English papers she had really enjoyed the process, her thoughts flowing pretty effortlessly on to the paper. But she had also worried this stream of ideas might not be fit with the mark schemes. […] she […] wanted you to know about her prize, as she thought you'd be pleased, and she also wanted to say thanks one last time for your inspirational teaching that led to it.'

'I got AAA* for my results much higher than my predicted! particularly for english'.

'[G.] got an A star in English. And is off to Oxford. […] Thanks so much for everything - you were honestly amazing and really helped her get there'.

'[L.] got 3 a stars and an A star as well in her EPQ. Her highest marks were in English Literature ( 197/200)'.

'I achieved 4A*s in my Alevels - one being in English Literature. My teachers also let me know that I got full marks in both the exam papers'.

'[T.] smashed English Literature, A* […] she is absolutely over the moon . Thank you so much for all the work you put in with her !'

'I got a D[distinction]2!!! […] I got full marks on my PI!'

'I got an A* in English!!! Thank you so much for all of your help I wouldn't have been able to do it without you!'

*

A student, January 2023: 'Just wanted to let you know I got an offer from Cambridge, thank you so so much for all your help.' And Kathryn: 'You were such a great help to [E.] in her preparation for the Cambridge application and interview and we were all delighted when she was offered a place this week. Thank you for all the support you gave her.'

Shaun, a parent, January 2023: '[E.] has found the sessions really very helpful (and has enjoyed them!)'

Guifang, a parent, December 2022: 'From what I hear from [S.], she really enjoys her discussions with you, it's really one of the highlights of her week.'

A student, November 2022: 'I'm extremely happy to tell you that I received an 8.3 for the literary review […] Thank you for explaining to me what a literary review is […] I remember whilst working on it I was so worried about my grade, but it appears I've survived.'

Deborah, a parent, September 2022: 'a huge thanks again to you for all your work with [S.]. I know he has been in touch to let you know that he got 9s in both English Language and Literature. He was over the moon - well beyond his best hopes, so thank you again for being instrumental in helping him attain those grades.'

Karen, a parent, August 2022: 'Both my girls really like your way of teaching and talking to them, they feel really listened to and respected for their opinions (as well as respecting yours obviously), so thank you :)'

Helen, a parent, July 2022: 'Thanks so much for all the help you gave [J.], he really benefitted from the sessions he had with you.'

Tara, a parent, June 2022: 'Thank you so much for all your help and patience - I think you have been brilliant for her confidence. She found English exams really very difficult before she started talking to you and it's amazing to see how much calmer (relatively speaking!) she has been going in to her A level English papers. Whatever the result, her sessions with you have definitely helped her to enjoy English again and I'm really grateful.'

A student, June 2022: 'This is incredibly insightful and thought provoking feedback. Thank you so much.'

Mei, a parent, June 2022: 'She found your lessons very helpful and always remarked to me how much you went the extra mile for her ; looking up and sending on links to whatever you'd been discussing. Much appreciated!'

Marguerite, a parent, June 2022: 'Thank you so much for all you've done for [T.] in the past year . […] you are a very talented teacher.'

Monica, a parent, June 2022: 'You have been an absolutely wonderful tutor to [L.], and how time has flown since she first met you! […] Many a time she has needed someone to talk to, not so much about AO1-5, but rather about the beauty and burden of literature and life. You have always been willing to do that, and she is richer for it.'

A student, June 2022: 'Thank you for teaching me for the last year; I have enjoyed our lessons and I feel I have grown as an English student, with thanks to your teaching.'

A student, April 2022: 'I received an 8 for my essay!! I want to thank you for your tutoring on Keats and Wordsworth- I wouldn't have gotten such a grade without it!! […] I learned tons because of you.'

Ngozi, a parent, March 2022: 'Thanks for everything that you're doing for [G.] - it has been very helpful.'

A student, February 2022: 'Really, thanks so much. Was such a good and efficient service. Your feedback looks really good and I'm going to implement it today. […] Thanks again for doing this on such short notice'.

Deborah, a parent, October 2021: '[S.] said you make it really fun - he said at school his energy goes down in English lessons and with you it goes up! So that is praise indeed from a teenage boy!'

A student, August 2021: 'I got the A grade ! I'm so pleased, thank you for all the help and the essays really paid off :).'

Monica, a parent, July 2021: 'As would be expected from his first class qualifications, Josh is extremely intelligent. However, in my opinion, he has a a very particular advantage over others of a similar academic background, namely his ability to exhibit an authentic interest in the ideas his students express. He is always kind and encouraging, but without sacrificing rigour; this approach has had a hugely positive impact on my daughter when speaking, writing and reading. Furthermore, Josh has introduced her to a range of authors, poets , films and philosophical thought, thus enriching her far beyond the school curriculum. In the future, my daughter will undoubtedly look back on her time with Josh with both fondness and gratitude. I have no hesitation in recommending Josh as a tutor'.

Guifang, a parent, July 2021: 'I have know Joshua for 2 months and He has been supporting my daughter excellently through her GCSE courses, helping her to achieve a 9 in predicted grades. From this, Joshua has always been very serious with the work, needless to say, always punctual and gives detailed homework feedback. I know him to be a wonderful tutor to my daughter.'

Susan, a parent, May 2021: '[T]hank you so much for all your help with [N.] […] [N.] found your lessons extremely helpful which enabled her to enjoy and understand English in a greater depth […] it was excellent tuition . Thank you'.

Jamal, a parent, May 2021: 'Thank you Josh for all your efforts, you have greatly assisted [S.] in better understanding English Literature as whole.'

Zahed, a parent, May 2021: 'We are grateful for all your help and support. We are in no doubt that [A.] has improved a lot in English Literature under your guidance.'

A student, May 2021: 'I just got my coursework back and got an A in it. Just thought i should let you know thanks you!'

Margaret, a parent, March 2021: 'Thanks for helping [M.] to improve her English understanding. She really enjoys her lessons and chats!'

Chris, a parent, March 2021: '[R.] is benefiting immensely from your lessons and is definitely getting more confident in expressing his thoughts in writing! Thank you.'

Amanda, a parent, December 2020: 'Josh has really helped join the dots, encouraged a depth of questioning and ways to interpret and compare ideas, extracting and bringing fresh meaning to narrative styles and creative use of language. Josh has been a great support and steered [R.]'s confidence to look more thoroughly and develop a greater understanding all round. Josh has a kind, approachable style and encouraged [R.] with debating aloud and suggestions for further reading which all continue to be an invaluable help and inspire greater confidence in approaching exams and further reading in future!'

A student, December 2020: 'He helps focus my understanding and makes sure i understand the topic we are learning before moving on. Josh will make sure to ask you questions throughout the process and is always ready for your ideas even if you think it's wrong. He will set homework but makes sure to switch it up each week to make it more interesting and gives his feedback to help me understand what i need to do to improve.'

Diana, a parent, September 2020: 'Josh worked with my daughter for her A Level in English Literature. He was outstanding with his ideas and expanding her critical thinking. He went above and beyond to develop her analytical skills and as a result helped her obtain an A*. He is an absolutely lovely, gentle but dynamic and reliable tutor who has a rare ability combine his academic achievement with a natural talent for teaching. A real gem and we cannot thank him enough.'

A parent, September 2020: 'Joshua is an excellent tutor with great communication skills . He is very patient , helpful , approachable and takes time to explain everything clearly to my daughter . Joshua has been able to breakdown and explain in full detail all aspects of the A Level content.'

A student, June 2020: 'it's been great being taught by you, I've learned so many critical thinking skills in such a short space of time.'

A parent, March 2020: 'I can't thank you enough for everything that you've done for her - you've been the best English teacher she's ever had and she has loved her time with you.'

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During my teacher training, I taught all age groups at two west London secondary schools.

While at Oxford, I was part of an 'e-mentoring' scheme to help candidates from schools without a history of Oxbridge applications.

At Christ College, Brecon, I ran two series of seminars, for sixth-formers studying RS and English literature. In English we covered 'The Tempest', Gothic literature, Pat Barker's 'Regeneration', 'Jane Eyre', Wilfred Owen, and 'The Canterbury Tales'.

Tutoring Approach:
I try to combine three things that I want my students to do, which are three forms of thinking: speak about complex ideas, read high-quality material, and write essays for which they will receive detailed feedback. For obvious reasons, lessons are weighted to speaking, and homework to reading and writing.

Speaking

Pedagogy's holy grail is measuring progress, which is difficult in a classroom and impossible in a lecture. Happily, the tutorial system allows this to occur continuously and efficiently via dialogue. Can a student re-express an idea they have heard or read in their own words? If the answer is yes, they have probably understood the idea. Hence the constant questions!

As well as understanding the ideas of others, speaking is essential for students to develop their own. I love the quotation from the novelist E. M. Forster, 'How can I tell what I think till I see what I say?' We improve the quality of our ideas through the process of articulating them.

For my part, quite a lot of what I say is explaining what texts mean. This might sound obvious, but great works of literature are complex, so, to understand their meaning, one's own interpretation probably needs the support of others' prior interpretations.

I sometimes like to break the question of a text's meaning into two: What's it about? And what's it really about? Answering the first question is comprehension, a necessary first step. To answer the second question is to understand. In 'A Streetcar Named Desire', for example, Blanche goes to live with her sister in New Orleans. She expresses a strong dislike of her surroundings and is frequently associated with images of water. She declines mentally and is eventually taken away. So what's the play really about? Blanche is a Romantic idealist who is disappointed with her life but still tends to imagine things in their perfect form. The play is about the human soul conceiving of things being as good as they could be (as if cleansed by water), reaching for the conception, and failing to grasp it - shuttling back and forth, in other words, on the streetcar named desire.

One thing I frequently encourage is making the link between those oft-cited elements of a good essay, themes and quotations. These are not unrelated ingredients, they are the text itself viewed from different distances. A theme (the desire to be cleansed) is a wide shot, and a quotation ('the land of the sky blue water') is a close-up. So the student of English has to practise their ability to zoom in and out.

Another way I try to support my students' studies is by making connections between the texts they are reading, which in my experience doesn't happen that much at school. Particularly at A-level, there are often many fruitful connections between the half-dozen or so texts being studied: the Romantics were devoted to Shakespeare and Milton, the Gothic is an aspect of the Romantic, the Aesthetic Movement drew on particular strains of Romanticism, etc. When these connections get made with reference to particular writers, they are no longer just isms. They make the material deeper and easier to understand at the same time. Towards the end of their school careers, students of the humanities should be able to get the sense of taking part in 'the Great Conversation that began in the dawn of history and that continues to the present day' (Robert M. Hutchins).

Reading

I regularly give my students PDFs of high-quality secondary material pitched at their level or just above it. Explanatory notes, commentaries, and essays can help with understanding, particularly when it comes to context. (And all exam boards have assessment objectives relating to historical context.) To know that a text was written during a particular period and what characterised that period is to have a mental scaffold that does not limit movement but frees it. In studying the humanities we are studying human culture, and no one can do that without a bit of structure. It also helps when thinking about texts in relation to each other - when writing a comparative essay, for example. I like to think of honing in from context to text, e.g. Romanticism (late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries) > William Blake (1757-1827) > 'Songs of Innocence and of Experience' (1794) > 'The Tyger'. (What's 'The Tyger' about? There's a question!)

In my experience, knowledge acquisition operates according to the Matthew principle, named after a verse in the Gospel of Matthew: 'unto every one that hath shall be given'. In other words, the more you've got, the more you'll get. Every time you learn something about Romanticism, the greater will be your understanding of the poetry of William Blake. Your internal bookshelves expand - more connections, greater understanding. Reading secondary material is obviously 'extra', but it works to enhance students' understanding of set texts rather than crowd them out. Homer Simpson said, 'every time I learn something new, it pushes some old stuff out of my brain', and we laugh because it's not true. You can't fill up a brain, so the cliché about people's (particularly young people's) limitless potential is true. Every time you learn something new, you enrich your contextual understanding of everything else you have ever learnt. '[E]very moment is a new and shocking / Valuation of all we have been', as T. S. Eliot put it in 'East Coker'.

Writing

Speaking and reading are in a concrete way preparation for writing. If you think and make notes while speaking and reading, by the time it comes to writing an essay, the question should not be about what to say, but how to arrange the things you want to say. So annotation is an important skill. It's a bit like getting 'in the zone' for a sportsperson - students must practise getting there and staying there. I model the annotation process something like this:

Read with a pencil in your hand. What makes you underline? Something fires in your brain, so that you have a response - you spot a developing theme, you're reminded of another book, you agree or disagree, there's a word you don't know and need to look up, you like the way a sentence sounds. It could be anything. Read until you've underlined twenty words or sentences. Work out the three or four connections between the things you have to say, and you've got a paragraph plan. Work out the main thing you have to say, and you have a thesis for your essay, which, as you aim your paragraphs at it, will accumulate force.

A lot of learning (and life) is about noticing connections, so getting into the habit of doing so is something like learning how to learn. If a student has developed this habit, they shouldn't really have to think 'What shall I write?' in front of a blank sheet of paper or screen. The content of the essay will be a sort of emanation of prior thinking.

When it comes to giving students feedback, I keep in mind one of the best incites I heard early in my PGCE: attend to your students' writing as you would a piece of literature. This way, the marking progress becomes analogous to the writing process. What are all the things that could make this essay better? And is there a connection between them, i.e. what's the main thing this student needs to focus on? (I usually give feedback using comments and 'track changes' in Microsoft Word.)

Why study English?

It has been said that 'If you can think, and speak, and write, you are absolutely deadly', and I think that's right. Learning how to construct and articulate good arguments is learning how to impose ideas on the world. To the extent that English is about feelings, it is about their articulation, and there is a great deal to learn about how feelings have been and can be articulated. Moreover, because English is the medium of instruction in all other subjects, command of it confers a freedom to range through the history of ideas and discriminate between reliable and unreliable, including online. Language is a prerequisite for thought - doing English properly is learning how to think better.

Subjects