Sid

New to First Tutors but I’m a highly successful English tutor with 20+ years of experience both online and face-to-face. I’ve helped dozens of students, of varying backgrounds and abilities, surpass their expectations (and dare I say it, come to actually enjoy GCSE English because of the way I try to frame the subject).

I know exactly what examiners want and I know what students need. My carefully prepared resources and teaching methods ensure I meet the requirements of both. So if you're missing that extra something to help you creep into the top bands, I can help. But equally I'm here for students that struggle with the subject and need direction so that they can pass.

My 1-on-1 tutoring has thrived through various online platforms but just as much through word-of-mouth as parents that are impressed with my approach - and the results it delivers - often recommend me to other parents or contact me again to help with a student’s siblings.

I have a First Class Honours degree.
I attended a grammar school, achieving straight A’s both at GCSE and A Level.
I am Enhanced DBS-checked.
I have references.
I don’t charge the earth because I believe extra support should be accessible to all.

Tutoring Experience

I began helping out during a Saturday workshop at a local grammar school back in 2002, and my passion for tutoring grew from there.

I now conduct all my lessons online (preferably on Zoom), which is proving very effective and convenient for both students and myself, and means I have greater reach geographically.

Whether you are just seeking coaching in the months, or weeks, leading up to exams, or you are looking for more long-term support throughout the GCSE process, I am happy to assist and will tailor my teaching accordingly.

I am familiar with the requirements of AQA, EDUQAS and EDEXCEL.

Tutoring Approach

Students have commented that my meticulously crafted resources are far superior to anything they receive at school.

Naturally, I focus on the most effective way to construct essays, going through my bullet-proof, step-by-step approach, which students comment is clear to follow but also makes them think about the texts in original and creative ways – which examiners always welcome.

Something that applies to students of all abilities is the need to broaden vocabulary in order to improve the quality and sophistication of their responses. Over the years, I have collected the most useful "high level vocabulary" and tranformed it into themed mind maps to explore on Zoom's whiteboard for five minutes at the start of each lesson - and they work well.

Another focus of mine is to try to lessen the anxiety surrounding Unseen Poetry, which students often find daunting due to the fear of the unknown. Likewise, creative writing can be tricky for some students, often leaving them feeling lost, but I have strategies in place to make this section of the exam less stressful.

Overall, I am patient and like to think I develop a good rapport with my students so that the lessons are seen as less of a chore and more of a motivator.