My English tutoring experience
Experience from different areas provides the building blocks for my tutoring approach
Tutor
I have been a tutor now for since 1996. I have worked with students from year 8 to adult, although most of my work is with students doing GCSEs and A Levels in both Language and Literature. I have also helped 2 students pass the teacher training literacy test, and helped others with common entrance exams or 13+ exams for grammar school.
My students come to me with vastly different expectations and levels of ability. Some struggle with English and need help to achieve a Level 4, while others are high achievers aiming for top grades. Last year almost all of my students passed both English exams, with most grades at 9-5, and many exceeding their predicted grades and expectations.
Teacher
I originally trained to teach post-16 students, and I taught in a number of FE colleges and Sixth Forms in London and Essex before moving to Salisbury. As a classroom teacher I taught many different English classes from practical english for non-specialists doing BTEC courses to A level language and literature courses for both 16-18 year olds and adult learners.
Working with post-16 students, I met many who had done badly at school, and who needed lots of help and encouragement and a fresh approach to re-energise them to succeed. This has made me an understanding and empathetic tutor.
Examiner
I have been an examiner for one of the major exam boards for over 25 years, and for most of this time have worked as a senior examiner checking and monitoring the work of other examiners. This has given me a sound insight into the way examiners and exam boards think.
I have used this knowledge to help students to answer exam questions and target their work in the best way to achieve good grades.
Mum
As a mum, I am well aware of the stresses that teenagers are under, and that parents are often the last people who can help their kids with academic study, even if they have the knowledge and training to do so.
Being a parent has also helped me to understand the worries and frustrations of parents when they see their kids needing help, and the importance of good communication with parents.