BA (Hons), English Language and Literature (2:1)
MA, Publishing (Distinction), PGCE, Secondary English
Enhanced CRB certificate, dated September 2010
ATL

Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
English from Key Stage 2 to sixth form and beyond, and Maths for Key Stages 2 and 3. I also prepare pupils in these subjects for 11+ entrance exams, as well as offering learning support to pupils of all ages, specialising, in particular, in essay planning and the structure and organisation of text.

Tell me about your qualifications.
I have a B.A. (Hons.) in English Language and Literature from Oxford University (high 2:1), an M.A. in Publishing from Oxford Brookes University (Distinction) and a P.G.C.E. in Secondary English, also from Oxford Brookes University. I was also only the second person from my school to gain an A at A level for both English and Maths.

What kind of experience do you have?
I taught English in independent schools, both selective and non-selective, between 2006 and 2010, teaching across the full secondary age range, running creative writing clubs and sixth form literary societies, and organising visits by authors and actors. Before that, I taught Publishing to undergraduates at Oxford Brookes University, while simultaneously working as a Learning Support Assistant at a comprehensive school in East Oxford. I have also worked as a bookseller, run a classical record shop, been a member of the Olivier Awards Opera panel, and have a decade's experience setting questions for flagship Radio 4 quiz programmes, including 'Brain of Britain' and 'Round Britain Quiz'.

I have been working as a private tutor since the beginning of this academic year, teaching both English and Maths. I work for three major London agencies and teach an extremely wide range of students, from 10 year-olds preparing for the 11+ to mature students preparing to re-enter higher education. I have also worked with undergraduates on the structure and wording of their dissertations, and coach foreign students in academic English.

How much do you charge?
My fees are as listed above, although I offer a discount for group lessons.

Where do you teach?
I will always come to you, either at your house or at a mutually convenient location nearby. I use public transport and am based in Brook Green, probably the best address in suburban London for transport links, as it's within easy reach of the Piccadilly, District, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Central lines, as well as the London Overground and National Rail. That means I can come to you wherever you're based in Greater London.

I also often teach older students at locations in central London, particularly when this helps with travel. The top floor of the Royal Festival Hall works especially well, but I'm always open to suggestions. I am based in West Kensington, between Hammersmith and Olympia, and can teach anywhere in London, as well as in the areas beyond Richmond, Twickenham, Wimbledon and Morden.

When are you available?
I currently have some spaces after school and at weekends until the end of term, as well as space during the school day, for home educated students or sixth formers who want to make extra use of their free periods. I'm also now taking bookings for intensive sessions over the Christmas holidays to prepare people for the January exams and the new term.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
English from 9 to 18, including university preparation. Maths from 9 to 13. Learning Support for Specific Learning Disorders from 9 to 18, and for university students. Essay Planning and Structure from 13 to adult, including dissertation and thesis work. Proofreading and Copyediting as required.

Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
English: 11+, GCSE, IGCSE, A level, Oxbridge entrance. Maths: 11+.

Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
I have an Enhanced CRB certificate, dated September 2010.

Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.
I often use Skype for teaching sessions, although this is generally only additional sessions for students who I normally teach face to face. I charge half my normal hourly rate for these sessions.

Articles

Rhythm in Poetry - Can you read the metre?
Subject: GCSE English
Tags: gcse english literature, poetry, rhythm
Created: 05/02/2011