Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach History up to degree level. I tutor Politics, Geography, Religious and Moral Education, and English literature up to and including A-Level. I am also experienced in teaching English as a Secondary Language (ESL) to all levels of proficiency.

Tell me about your qualifications.
I have a BA 2:1 (honours) degree in History from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.
I have achieved the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) qualification.
I have an HSK in Mandarin Chinese (level 3).
A-levels: History, Geography, French (AAB)
Scottish Highers: History, Geography, French, Politics, English (AAAAB)
Intermediate 2: Religious Education, Mandarin Chinese (pass, pass)
Standard Grades: History, French, Spanish, Geography, Biology, Chemistry, English, Maths (AAAAAABB)

What kind of experience do you have?
I have always been passionate about education and teaching. Currently, I teach English as a Second Language (ESL) at a secondary school in London. I have also spent two years in China teaching English as a foreign language. Throughout my undergraduate degree, I have tutored history, essay writing, and comprehension skills. Since graduating university I have continued with my tutoring career, teaching students in History, Politics, Religious Education, and essay writing skills. It's been rewarding to receive complimentary feedback/reports from some of my previous students.

How much do you charge?
I charge £20 per hour for all subjects below A-level standard and £25 for AS and A2 level. These are flat rate fees that are inclusive of my travel costs. I am happy to carry out additional A-level essay reading/feedback outside of tuition times (this can be done via email), and this will be at a set £15 fee per essay. For those students wishing to push themselves within the subject, optional articles and recommended reading can be provided. However, in order to cover photocopying costs a £5 upfront fee will be charged for this service.

Where do you teach?
I would prefer to teach at students' houses. However, other arrangements may be able to be made. The nearest tube station to me is Kings Cross St Pancras (zone 1). I am happy to travel up to an hour by tube for classes.

When are you available?
I am fairly flexible, daytime sessions are available as are evenings and weekends.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I teach a variety of ages and levels. I tutor 11+ exams, 13+ exams, Key Stage 3, GCSE, AS, and A2. I also tutor HIstory to University level.

Do you have a CRB disclosure certificate?
Yes.

Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.
If a student desires online tutoring, we can arrange a time that is suitable for both of us and liase via a messaging service such as Skype. Alternatively, I am happy to help with coursework or essays over email.

Where and with whom did you train?
I read my BA History at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. I gained my Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) at Kingston University, London. I achieved my HSK level 3 in Mandarin Chinese at Bei Shi Da University, Beijing, China. Finally, I did my schooling at St George's School for Girls, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Tell me about some of your current students.
I have recently helped a student raise their grades from a D to a B in A-level Politics. Previously, he did not believe that he could achieve this in such a short time. By channelling his energy and enthusiasm back into his studies he feels much more confident in his studies. Indeed, he has not only achieved better grades, but he now enjoys his schooling again!

Another of my students found it hard to structure his A-level English Literature essays. This stylistic problem had resulted in him missing out on many of the available marks in his exams. I helped him develop effective strategies and example essay structures. This resulted in him developing a style that he felt comfortable with. He is now confident answering essay questions and feels much happier with his studying. Due to these techniques he moved from a D to a 4 marks off an A in a short space of time.

Do you have a personal message for students?
If you have a desire to learn but often feel left in the dark a the back of the class, I can help you. Similarly, if you feel like you are sinking with the seemingly relentless workload, and regularly find yourself struggling to balance the different subjects, I can also help you. Let me help you become a more confident, effective and enthusiastic learner, and not only master techniques for exams in the short term but also help you to learn strategies that will enable you to become a life-long learner.

Articles

Study Skills - How Do You Learn?
Subject: GCSE History
Topic: advice (general)
Created: 20/01/2010