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Barry Spencer - English Tuition and EFL, IELTS, CAE, FCE, ESOL lessons in Bloomsbury, Central London

Barry Spencer GCSE English Tutor (West Central London)

Barry Spencer Silver Member

  • London (WC1) View on map
  • Last Logged In: 18 May 2012
  • Sex: Male
  • Can Travel To: EC N NW
Contact Me
  • Professional Qualification BA (Hons) English Language and Literature
  • Professional Qualification PGCE English / CELTA
  • Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Check CRB Enhanced Disclosure
  • References References are available upon request

Subjects

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Personal Message
I am a thoroughly prepared, highly committed tutor, very personable and approachable. Being a GCSE English examiner I place my students’ needs and expectations at the heart of my teaching.
Which subject(s) do you teach?
Most commonly, GCSE and AS Level English language and literature, but I also have students who require excellent writing skills in the workplace or at university. Presently, I am employed at City Lit College in central London which, in 2011, was awarded outstanding teaching status by Ofsted. I also have extensive experience teaching EFL - preparing students for IELTS, CAE, First Certificate and ESOL examinations.
Tell me about your qualifications.
I have an honours degree in English and a PGCE in English language and literature. I also have a Cambridge CELTA qualification for teaching English as a second language.
What kind of experience do you have?
I have sixteen years experience teaching English in in the UK and around the world. I have worked in various colleges throughout London teaching GCSE and AS Level, more recently at City Lit College in central London, which was awarded "Outstanding Teacher Status" in 2011. For the past 7 years I have worked as a GCSE English examiner for OCR, and more recently AQA examining board. This work has been essential in preparing me for private English tuition. I am able to plan from a very informed perspective to achieve the optimum results. If your son or daughter requires a good pass grade, then I have the relevant experience and know-how to achieve that grade.
How much do you charge?
My standard rate for GCSE and essay writing is £40 per hour, this includes all travelling expenses, photocopied materials, preparation of materials and marking of work. I charge a slightly reduced rate of £30 for the first session, which includes a needs analysis and a short test (if appropriate). I feel that my fees are very competitive considering my experience and work as an examiner.
Where do you teach?
Most of my classes take place at students' homes or in offices in central London, predominantly in the boroughs of Camden, Islington, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster. Nevertheless, I am more than happy to travel within a ten mile radius of central London. It wouldn't be a problem if students preferred to have classes at my home. More recently, students have been quite responsive to on-line learning.
When are you available?
I am usually available most late afternoons, early evenings and weekends. Due to the nature of my job I often have free time during the day too, depending on my schedule.
Which ages and levels do you teach?
GCSE, AS Level and Undergraduates at university - mostly 14+ and adults. I teach both teenagers and adults English as a foreign language.
Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
GCSE English language and literature, AS Level English, IELTS Cambridge, First Certificate and CAE.
Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
I have a current enhanced CRB disclosure certificate.
Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.
At the moment I am working very closely with a handful of students "online", preparing for GCSE English examination, proofreading essays and also pre-university academic writing skills. This works well for those who require detailed, written feedback on essay writing skills relating primarily to AQA or OCR GCSE English syllabus, but live a little too far away and outside my preferred travelling radius. With my knowledge as an examiner I am able to give a considered, precise response with corrections and suggestions for improvement. Each week I email a question, which my students respond to the following week. We focus very much on areas that would ordinarily be discussed in class; on particular weaknesses, addressing areas that need working on etc. I also use Skype for those who require verbal analysis to their work.

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My Testimonials

Online tutoring with Barry has proved invaluable throughout the GCSE process. His knowledge and experience of the AQA GCSE English exams process ensures that the work set and the feedback provided truly adds value. My daughter has gained in confidence through his detailed feedback on her written work. The process works well and there is a definite improvement not only in my daughters’ written ability but also in her level of confidence.
- Frances Trought (mother of student)

Testimonials are provided by the tutor and are not verified by The Tutor Pages

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