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.