Nicola

I am a PGCE qualified teacher with over seven years of experience in the independent sector. After being awarded a scholarship to a selective boarding school, I graduated from King's College London with first class honours in Latin with English Literature. I am passionate about teaching and learning and taught English language while gaining a diploma in contemporary French studies in Paris. Since obtaining my PGCE in Latin with Classics, I have taught English and the full range of Classical subjects (Latin, Ancient Greek & Classical Civilisation). This year, I have taken a step back from classroom teaching as I am completing my Masters and looking after my 10 month old son. As a result, I currently have openings for tutees in Latin, Classical Civilisation, Ancient Greek, and English. I am based in SW6 and am available for face to face and online sessions.

Tutoring Experience

I have significant classroom experience teaching Years 6-13 (ages 10-18). I have helped prepare students in year 6 for independent exams and marked the English paper for 11+ admissions at my school. I have a deep understanding of the exam board requirements for GCSE and A Levels. I have attended regular OCR training sessions and have helped with Oxbridge preparation, personal statements and helped revise the school's UCAS reference policy. As a Sixth form tutor, I helped tutees with their personal statements, wrote references and conducted mock interviews. I have also helped students in year 6 prepare for entrance exams for independent and grammar schools. Prior to becoming a school teacher, I taught adults for over three years. Owing to this, I enjoy working with a variety of age groups.

Tutoring Approach

I adapt my approach to suit the age and motivations of the student, and employ a broad range of means to help students achieve their learning objectives. Whether this is exam preparation, taking their first steps into a new subject, or learning for pleasure. Tuition sessions are always tailored to the student's goals. I often employ games and creative tasks to help students remember information and to teach them alternative revision methods. This is particularly successful with students who find it difficult to concentrate and study independently. Examination candidates perform best when they feel prepared and understand what the question is asking them. For this reason I place emphasis on completing and creating past papers to understand the requirements of the examination board. I equip students with a variety of techniques to remember vocabulary, build accuracy and structure essays so that they walk into the exam room feeling prepared and able to succeed.
I believe in stretching pupils. For students who need additional challenge,I like to introduce them to texts that they won't have encountered as part of the curriculum. This helps to broaden their knowledge of the subject and makes them stand out as impressive candidates at interviews for schools and universities.