Caroline

As a highly experienced, professional Tutor, I bring a genuine enthusiasm and depth of subject knowledge to the teaching of English; but just as importantly, a deeper understanding of the many factors that can impede learning in traditional classroom settings. In my role as an English teacher, I have been highly successful in forging strong and positive relationships with the classes and individuals I have worked with. I am a creative and empathetic person, who enjoys nurturing individuals to reach their goals. I have a passion for literature and a deep love of learning which surfaces in every aspect of my life, from my teaching to my academic research; and I feel it is this enthusiasm, coupled with an empathy and regard for my students, which defines my approach to teaching and learning. I am also an ardent believer in taking learning outside of the classroom...

Tutoring Experience

I completed my training at the Institute of Education in 2011 and was awarded qualified teacher status in 2012. Since then, I have enjoyed many years of successful classroom teaching in a variety of settings, including, secondary, further and adult education in the UK, (year groups 7 - 12, sixth form, and adult learners).
In recent years, I have devoted more time and focus to the pastoral and mentoring side of education, working as a learning mentor and in a support role, helping students with a variety of learning needs, in Further Education.

Currently, I am undertaking training in person-centred counselling, which I believe compliments the work I do as a tutor.

I am highly experienced in tutoring GCSE English Language and Literature students, who are enrolled on the following exam boards: AQA, Edexcel, OCR and IGCSE (CIE First Language), as well as tutoring those at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 (A Level). I can confidently say that, with teamwork and effort, all of my students have significantly improved their skills and have done better than the grades predicted for them at the start of term.

Added to this, I have an extensive and varied background in teaching English as a Foreign Language, both in the UK and Overseas, which enables me to teach a wide spectrum of learners of all ages, cultural backgrounds and abilities.

Tutoring Approach

Fundamentally, my approach evolves in response to my students' specific needs. My lessons are built on a relationship of mutual trust and respect, which starts by motivating students to feel confident about their ideas and positive about the challenge of reaching the standard required. I believe parents have an integral role to play in this process. Success is a team effort and is achieved through a combination of perseverance, commitment, and an enthusiastic mindset. I know that students learn best when lessons are both engaging and tailored to reflect their individual needs and temperament, in space that feels safe and allows for mistakes as part of the process. In this way, I hope that my students can find their voice.