Helen - Chester tutor





Helen's profile picture

Information About Helen:


Personal Description:

I am an award-winning art educator, examiner, university lecturer, and practising artist with over 16 years of teaching experience across secondary, post-16, higher education, and private tuition.

I hold a Doctor of Education in Education, a PGCE in Secondary Art and Design, an MA in Creativity for the Professions, and a First Class BA (Hons) in Fine Art.

Alongside my teaching, I have worked for both AQA and WJEC Eduqas as an examiner/moderator, giving me an exceptional understanding of mark schemes, assessment objectives, portfolio development, and what genuinely secures top grades.

I currently lecture in Art and Design teacher education at the University of Chester while also running my own premium creative education business.

I have taught internationally in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, France, and Tuscany, and have supported learners aged 6 to adult across fine art, photography, textiles, mixed media, drawing, painting, animation, portfolio preparation, academic writing, and creative confidence building.

Whether a student is aiming for Grade 9 at GCSE, A* at A Level, preparing a university portfolio, building digital art skills, or rediscovering creativity later in life, I bring warmth, expertise, and clear, personalised guidance.



Teaching Experience:

I have over 16 years of professional teaching experience across schools, universities, examination boards, workshops, and private tuition.

My experience includes:

* Secondary Art and Design teaching across Key Stages 3-5
* GCSE, A Level, BTEC, and university-level supervision
* Examiner and moderator work with AQA and WJEC Eduqas
* Senior Lecturer and subject leader in Art and Design teacher education at the University of Chester
* Specialist portfolio preparation for university, foundation, and art school applications
* SEN-informed one-to-one tutoring
* Adult creative workshops and professional artist mentoring
* International teaching and creative education projects

My students have secured places on competitive creative courses, significantly improved predicted grades, built confidence, and developed outstanding portfolios.



Tutoring Approach:

No two learners are the same, so no two sessions should ever feel identical.

My tutoring combines expert teaching, examiner insight, practical demonstration, and genuine encouragement. I quickly identify what is holding a learner back, whether that is technical skill, confidence, organisation, portfolio structure, annotation, critical writing, or understanding assessment criteria.

Sessions may include:

* Live demonstrations and practical technique coaching
* Portfolio and sketchbook reviews
* Examiner-led feedback using current assessment criteria
* Digital art and animation mentoring
* Photography composition and editing support
* University interview and portfolio preparation
* Academic writing and reflective annotation support
* Confidence-building for anxious or neurodivergent learners

My aim is not simply to "get students through" their course. It is to help them become confident, independent, creative thinkers who genuinely enjoy the process.

I have a range of 5 star tutoring reviews on Google.

Due to university commitments and examiner work, I now take on only a small number of private students each academic year.



Map showing Helen's location

Qualifications:

  • BA Hons Fine Art (First Class)
  • MA Creativity for the Professions
  • PGCE Secondary Art
  • Education Doctorate

Further Information:

Availability:  Weekends / Weekdays (all times)
Types of Tutoring:   Travels to you / From their home / Online
References Supplied?   Yes
Current DBS/CRB Check?   Yes