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.
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.
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.
I teach online for now during Covid - I'm based in the Avenues area of Kingston-Upon-Hull and may restart lessons in person when it's safe to do so!
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.
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!
Qualifications
Highers: English (A), Maths (A), Music (A), History (A)
Diploma of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (violin performance) – distinction
Advanced Highers: English (A), Maths (A), Music (A)
Summer 2006 Randolph School of English
Cambridge CELTA (Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults)
2005-2009 University of St Andrews
M.A. English, First Class Degree in English Literature
2009-2010 University of Oxford
M.St. English 1900-Present
2010-14 University of St Andrews
PhD English (Music Lessons in Fiction from 1870 to 1914)
Work
2009-Present Private Tutor for eleven primary, 11+, GCSE, A-Level and PhD Students
• Delivering a personalised and structured programme to inspire students to learn.
Summer 2010 EFL Teacher, Oxford Royale Academy
• Teaching dynamic English Language and Literature to international students
2011-2013 Tutor for University of St Andrews undergraduate courses in English and Music
• Leading tutorial groups of undergraduate students in the subjects of Music and Literature, marking essays and exams.
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at her home | at your home | By webcam | |
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