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Information About Karen:

Personal Description:

I am a fully qualified Secondary English Teacher with over 25 years of experience tutoring within the Scottish Education System. I specialise exclusively in one-to-one tuition, providing personalised, focused support tailored to each learner's individual strengths, challenges, and learning style.

I believe that effective learning happens within a supportive and encouraging environment where students feel understood, challenged, and empowered to succeed. My long-standing experience enables me to quickly identify gaps, build confidence, and provide proven strategies that lead to measurable academic progress.

Teaching Experience:

My expertise spans National 4, National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher English, with particular focus on targeted exam preparation. I specialise in RUAE (Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation), Critical Essays, and Textual Analysis, concentrating on technique, timing, structure, and sustained grade improvement. Through strategic preparation and clear, practical methodologies, I help students approach exams with confidence and clarity.

With a strong track record of raising attainment, I work carefully with students to refine analytical skills, strengthen written expression, and master the demands of SQA marking criteria. Lessons are structured, purposeful, and responsive - always designed to maximise both understanding and performance under exam conditions.

My background in creative writing and theatre brings energy, depth, and imagination to my teaching. This creative foundation enhances students' engagement with literature while supporting the development of compelling, precise, and technically secure writing.

Tutoring Approach:

My approach is patient, encouraging, and tailored to the individual. One-to-one tutoring allows me to adapt to each student's pace, strengths, and needs in a way that classroom teaching cannot. I provide clear structure and strategy behind the scenes, while ensuring sessions feel supportive, focused, and confidence-building.

I've worked with a wide range of learners: high-achieving students who want precision and analytical rigour; able literature students eager to delve deeper than the classroom allows; and those who see English as simply something to "get through." Whether providing exam-focused frameworks, stretching sophisticated thinkers, or helping reluctant learners find clarity and confidence, my aim is always the same - to meet students where they are and guide them towards independence, competence, and a stronger belief in their own ability.

Qualifications:

• PGCE Strathclyde University
• MPhil Scottish Studies, The University of Glasgow
• MA Scottish Literature and Language, The University of Glasgow

Further Information:

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