Kate

I am a qualified English teacher and have taught GCSE English Language and Literature, for over 15 years'. I am passionate about my subject and can't think of a more rewarding way of spending time, than sharing my love of language and literature, with others, to help them achieve their academic goals; it truly is a privilege! Mastering English at GCSE level is empowering for students, enabling them to sharpen their communication skills and become highly articulate young people; being an accomplished communicator is hugely valuable and quite simply, crucial for future success, in every context. Watching a student's confidence grow and supporting them to take risks with language to achieve higher goals, is the reason I love tutoring. I am committed to supporting young people set ambitious goals, achieve success and enjoy it, along the way.

Tutoring Experience

Having qualified with a BA and MA, I am a subject specialist and experienced classroom teacher. I have taught in both state and independent schools, in the UK and in international schools, covering both the UK and IB curriculum, as well as working as an Examiner for GCSE English Language. I have a passion for my subject and cannot think of a more rewarding way of utilising my knowledge and experience than by sharing it with students and supporting them to achieve their goals; recently, this has recently been in the form of one-to-one and group tutoring, which has enabled me to create a bespoke learning experience for students, tailoring lessons toward their personal interests and engaging them fully. As both a classroom teacher and tutor, I feel that the tutoring process is hugely powerful, particularly when a student requires some confidence-boosting. I regularly work with students who feel they cannot achieve in English, due to a lack of confidence, or perhaps not having had the best experience in the English classroom; however, after just a few tutoring sessions, all my students begin to realise that they are able to succeed in this subject and their entire mindset shifts and changes. I try and personalise the lessons and, as I have a love of travel and art (initiated during my time living and working in Italy), these areas of interest can often make an appearance! However, I am keen to encourage students to bring their own interests to the lessons, enabling them to be more fully involved in their own progress and to enjoy it, whether we are evaluating the context of an extract, or analysing a writer's key stylistic choices.

Tutoring Approach

I balance high expectations with a relaxed, flexible approach that helps me build a positive rapport with tutees; in my experience, happy and motivated students always succeed. A positive tutoring session is one where a student leaves feeling confident and motivated about the work and hopefully looking forward to the next session. Lessons always start with discussion of the content and skills covered in the previous session and a recap on anything that requires further clarity; questions are always encouraged (there are never too many), until the student feels secure. I plan focused lessons with clear objectives and offer resources that support learning. Lots of regular exam practice is prioritised, and I am rigorous about giving feedback, alongside published examiner feedback and marking rubrics, to ensure that exam objectives are being thoroughly met. Ideas are broken down into manageable 'chunks' and as a skill-based subject, mastery of key skills is prioritised, to equip students with the necessary foundations for future learning.

I am available for online teaching and learning, which I feel offers a wider array of teaching tools and is a more efficient use of time; I understand that regular tuition is a huge commitment, both in terms of time and finances and so I am keen to bring as much value to the lessons as possible and believe that online tutoring is the best way of achieving this. My time abroad, working alongside teachers and students from international backgrounds was an invaluable experience, transforming me into a more adaptable and flexible teacher, who aims to ‘meet’ students at whatever their current level, with understanding, positivity and support, in order that they can achieve the success they deserve.