Isobel

I have over six years' experience tutoring students to take the Grammar school entrance exam. I have been teaching for twenty years and picked up many techniques and strategies that not only allow students to pass an exam but to spark a love for learning, an ability to try, even when they might be wrong and most importantly nurtured a confidence within them that grows over time and allows them to succeed in the 11 Plus as well as in their day-to-day studies at school.

Seeing my students flourish and succeed is what I love about my job. But also watching them learn the value that focus, hard work and dedication can bring to their lives as they learn with me makes it all worthwhile. I know from experience where students often stumble and am ready to support them and their families through the challenges that eleven plus inevitably brings. I tackle the topics methodically and thoroughly so the student can feel confident that no matter what the question is they have the knowledge and skills to answer it with confidence.

I work closely with the parents ensuring everyone is happy with the direction of the lessons. I do an initial benchmark test to see where we are starting from and then routinely test along the way to check progress and understanding. I try to keep lessons varied and fun, whilst maintaining a focused approach to the wide range of topics within the test.

I am a dedicated and experienced professional who loves working with children and brings a calm and relaxed approach which builds confidence and knowledge within the student removing the stress and pressure that studying for this difficult exam can bring to the family.

Tutoring Experience

I currently home tutor children at KS2/KS3/GCSE /11+ and Verbal and non verbal reasoning for school entrance exams. I have done this professionally and successfully for the last few years.
I've found my tutees confidence improve dramatically within weeks and as a result their grades and ultimately exam success have rocketed.
All of my students have improved at school and have been moved into higher classes as a result.
I have also taught English in Italy, Spain and Japan. I have experience with children and teenagers both at summer school in England and abroad. I can teach English for special purposes, Exam preparation classes and Business English.

Tutoring Approach

I like to create lessons that are suited to the student and work closely with the student/parent and school, where possible, to make the lessons relevant and interesting. Once I have done an initial free evaluation with my tutee and parent I make a unique study plan that guides us through our studies. I can adapt that where necessary, but generally find student respond really well to my approach. I can make scary topics like grammar and algebra seem less daunting and easier to understand.
I am creative in making the lessons fun and engaging by focusing on subjects and topics that the student is interested in. I look at areas where the student could use some extra attention such as vocabulary or grammar and will then focus on that in the next lesson until I feel the student is ready to move on.

As well as fixing gaps in knowledge I try to work ahead of schoolwork in order to give the student knowledge and confidence in class.

I can tailor the lessons to suit any level, age or nationality effectively. I make lessons relevant to the student, by avoiding language that is already known and focusing on an area that is useful students find they can progress quickly in my lessons.

I specialise in Exam preparation, If you need help with GCSE/11+ or PET/FCE/IELTS then I can tailor make lessons to diagnose weak areas and strengthen them, practice Exam skills and make you or your child feel confident in taking the Exam.