Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach most school subjects, with my main focus on English / English Literature, Functional Skills and French.

Tell me about your qualifications.
I have a B.Ed (Hons) degree from Exeter University.

What kind of experience do you have?
I have been teaching since 1974. As my wife and I were living in Jersey at the time, I spent my first eight years teaching English, Art and French at a co-ed 4-16 private school. I then left to pursue a degree in English and Educational Studies at Rolle College in Exmouth.
Following my degree I taught for nineteen years at various comprehensive schools. Since 1974 I have also intermittently worked with individuals and small groups at suitable venues and been involved with adult education, teaching French and Computer Studies.
At present I work for Northfields Education Centre and the Alternative Provision Centre in Taunton, Somerset, with students who have health or behavioural issues. They are taught in small groups at the centres, at home or online (as part of the Virtual Classroom, with which I have been involved for four years).

How much do you charge?
I charge £25 as the basic rate, though this is negotiable depending on numbers of students involved and preparation and marking needed. I add the current fuel mileage rate where the journey is above three miles.

Where do you teach?
I teach at students' homes, or at an agreed study centre, such as a library or council office.
As my base teaching hours may be spread throughout the day, I prefer to teach within a few miles of Taunton, Somerset. Usually I travel no further than ten miles or so. I can then fit in teaching and travelling time.

When are you available?
I am available much of the week at various times, but my timetable with the centres is too flexible to give specific hours. I do not tend to work after 5:30 pm, but may do the occasional evening.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I tend to teach KS3 and 4, ie 11 to 16 years. I have taught students younger than 11, English and French at A-Level, and French and Computer Studies to adults of many ages!

Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
I prepare students largely for GCSE, although I have recently helped a student at the base with his Entry Level Certificate.

Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
Yes, I do.

Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.
I tutor via Fronter and Elluminate, if students have access to those online platforms (as many schools do). Otherwise, I would use Skype and e-mail.

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
I belong to the teaching union, ATL, and to the General Teaching Council.

Where and with whom did you train?
I trained at Rolle College, Exmouth, accredited by Exeter University.

Tell me about some of your current students.
One year 10 student tentatively agreed to come to our centre, having a history of chronic school phobia, anxiety attacks and running away for several hours at a time. He has now increased his initial one hour a week to four mornings, and is making sound progress.
A female year 8 student with M.E. whom I have been tutoring in the local council interview room (as her home situation is too chaotic) has caught up academically with her peers and is on the way to returning to school full time.
I teach one lad at his home. He has a combination of chronic and debilitating illnesses, but successfully completes three hours a week tuition with my colleagues and me and is keeping up with GCSE requirements.
Currently I am running a GCSE English/English Literature course for a Year 10 group at Northfields in Taunton. Although they previously found attendance at mainstream schools difficult, they are thriving in the core subjects, and enjoy a number of 'Enrichment' activities, all of which help to increase their academic and social confidence.

Do you have a personal message for students?
I would encourage anyone who feels that they are not doing as well as they could, in any area of education, to be involved in one-to-one tuition. The lessons are differentiated, there are plenty of resources on hand, and the focussed environment helps you not only to work at your own pace, but to see very obvious progress in a short time.
Many students are nervous at the idea of showing their weaknesses or lack of skill to a new teacher, but I am very friendly, very committed and will do my best to help you succeed!

Articles

Teachers and Students: a Personal View
Subject: A-level English
Tags: a-level english, advice (general)
Created: 30/09/2009