PhD educated English tutor in Hull with a passion for making English fun!

Experience

I am a dynamic, lively tutor and I love to show children and teenagers how fun and fascinating English can be! I have a PhD in English, a Masters from Oxford University and a first class degree from the University of St Andrews. I bring the academic study of English to students at whatever level they are at! But I also know the exam boards inside out and I can teach focused exam technique for GCSE and A-Level.

- What kind of experience do you have?

I have a range of classroom and 1 to 1 teaching experience. As an English tutor, I have worked with a range of students from primary to PhD level. I am experienced at preparing students for exams, 11+ and university entrance, including intensive short-term work to prepare students for a particular exam. I have also delivered the GCSE English curriculum to a home-schooled pupil as her only English teacher. At the University of St Andrews, I was employed for 3 years as a tutor for undergraduate students in the English and Music departments. Through my tutorials on essay writing skills, I was able to significantly improve the marks of my cohort of students, and I teach the same techniques to my pupils at school stage.

After qualifying with the widely recognized CELTA certificate in English Language Teaching, I spent several summers teaching English language to classes of children and teenagers aged from 10 to 18.

As a violin and piano teacher, I have taught students aged from 4 to 18. I have also worked pre-school and primary aged children in a voluntary capacity, leading toddler groups, after school clubs and holiday clubs. I currently run baby and toddler music classes so I have lots of experience of making music fun for little ones!

I have worked as a proofreader for undergraduate and postgraduate students across a range of disciplines, from Maths to Marketing.

- Do you have an up-to-date DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service, formerly CRB) Certificate?

I have an up-to-date DBS certificate, which I can provide on request.

- Where and with whom did you train?

I did my undergraduate degree and my PhD at the University of St Andrews, and in between I completed a Masters in English literature at Oxford University. I completed the CELTA qualification in English language teaching at the Randolph School of English in Edinburgh, an intensive course which offered skills in classroom management, learning styles, and delivering dynamic and engaging lessons.
As a musician, I completed my school education, including a diploma in violin performance, at the Aberdeen City Music School.

- Tell me about some of your current students.

I'm really proud of one of my students, who has been learning with me for 3 months. When we started, he was getting level 7 for most of his assessments, and he recently achieved a level 9, the top GCSE grade. He's a very talented student but needs focus and support in exam technique. He also enjoys discussing literature in depth, so we can get into some great discussions and debates!