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

Methodology

I specialize in bringing the academic study of English to life for school students by combining a dynamic and accessible approach with the exciting ideas and research I have experienced at university level. For example, I use articles from journals at the leading edge of Shakespeare studies as the basis for GCSE revision lessons on Romeo and Juliet, and assist my A-Level pupils in finding university-level criticism to add to their coursework bibliographies. After extensive consultations with students and parents, I design an individualised curriculum of study, sharing my printed lesson plans and records with students and parents. I am keenly aware of the requirements of the various exam boards, and I tailor my approach to developing skills to excel in particular exams and beyond. I particularly enjoy preparing students for exams such as GCSE and A-level, and I am equally at home providing challenging debate to stretch the most gifted and talented pupils, or inspiring enthusiasm in students who want to improve their grades.

At this time of year, lots of people are panicking about exams! I can help support your teen with GCSE and A-Level revision and exam technique - even 2-4 sessions can make a big difference! Get in touch to find out more.

- Which subject(s) do you teach?

I teach English and music. I have a special love of teaching English literature, and I run university-style tutorials in aspects of the GCSE and A-level curriculum for small groups of students. I may also be available for a limited number of one-to-one students.

As a violin teacher, I love to teach beginners of any age, from little children to adult learners.

- Tell me about your qualifications.

I have an first-class degree in English literature from the University of St Andrews, a Masters from the University of Oxford and a PhD in English literature at the University of St Andrews. (My PhD was on the subject of fictional music lessons in Victorian England, so it is very much in keeping with my tutoring work!) I also hold the Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA). Whilst still at school, I obtained a distinction in my ABRSM diploma in Violin Performance.

- How much do you charge?

I charge £30 per hour for individual tuition. I also offer group classes and revision workshops at reduced rates - get in touch to find out more!

- Where do you teach?

I teach from my home in the Avenues area of Hull.

- When are you available?

I have some availability on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays after school, and all day on Saturday.

- Which ages and levels do you teach?

I specialise in support for GCSE and A-Level exams.

- Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?

I prepare students for IGCSE, GCSE, AS and A-level exams, and I have particular experience with the Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Cambridge and AQA exam boards.

- Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.

I use Skype, and am happy to keep in touch with all my students by e-mail between lessons. I also use online document sharing services such as Onenote and Dropbox to share work , records and resources. Using an online whiteboard, Google Docs and the online mind-mapping service Mind42, I can collaborate on notes and projects simultaneously with my students online.

- Do you have a personal message for students?

Learning with a tutor can be much, much more fun than learning in school! And since literature is all about life, learning to critically read and interpret literary texts, whether at GCSE or undergraduate level, will open your eyes to look at the world in a new way.

Background

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!