I provide online tuition in English – from support with developing fluency in reading and writing at Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9), through to helping English Literature A-level students establish conviction in their own discursive and critical voice. My lessons are always tailored to meet the needs of the individual – both in one-to-one sessions and working in a small group.
Success in learning depends so much on feeling confident. Confidence, in turn, is determined not only by making progress, but the ability to recognise where and why progress has been made. Through clear and individualised feedback, I work together with students to evaluate areas of strength, and identify areas of focus. My aim is to ensure that all my students feel empowered to achieve success in English – whether my online lessons are complementary to the classroom, or a distinct part of a home learning timetable.
- Fully Qualified Teacher of 10 years +
- Enhanced DBS check – I am still working in schools
- Experience of Teaching English as a Foreign Language
- BA Combined Hons. Degree in English (1st) and German (2:1)
Professional and Teaching
My first foray into teaching came as a deliberate choice during my year abroad in Germany as part of my undergraduate degree: I worked as an English Foreign Language teacher (TEFL) in a German grammar school to gain teaching experience whilst improving my German. During this time, my interest in teaching was piqued – and the conviction that I wanted to become a secondary school teacher cemented.
I am bilingual (English and German) and completed a PGCE in Modern Foreign Languages at the University of Bath (2014) – working across the public and private spheres of education during my practical teacher training.
Initially teaching German, French, and English at a comprehensive school outside of Bath, I moved to a comprehensive school in Bath where I then eventually focused solely on teaching English. Subsequently, I have worked with numerous GCSE English classes, teaching both Literature and Language. In 2018, I was an examiner for AQA English Language Paper 2 – gaining valuable insight into the mark schemes and success criteria for AQA.
My specialism is in teaching English Literature to A-Level. However, I do have some experience of teaching English Language A-level and this is currently an area of professional development for me.
Leading Literacy and Reading
During my time as an English Teacher, I was first made Head of Key Stage 3 English, in addition to overseeing the Accelerated Reading scheme, working with Year 7 and 8. I am incredibly passionate about the importance of reading, seeing firsthand the transformative impact that regular reading has on students’ confidence and grades across the board.
In 2022, I took on the role of Whole School Literacy Coordinator at Hayesfield Girls’ School and established a literacy and reading scheme across the school that was described by Ofsted to be “at the heart of the curriculum” My main objective as Whole School Literacy Lead was to embed reading in the Pastoral as well as Academic system, collaborating with a teaching team and the pupils themselves to come up with a reading list for each year group with suitable levels of challenge and topics that linked into broader learning (such as the PSHE curriculum). I still endeavour to read a range of Young Adult fiction, so that I can support students with identifying the most engaging reads for them, along with ensuring I am continuously aware of the latest research studies in aspects of literacy from the Education Endowment Foundation and the Department of Education.
I have been a Staff Governor– this provided a wonderful opportunity to see the school from a different perspective.
I am currently completing a National Professional Qualification in Leading Literacy (2024) – which has provided greater understanding of the importance of phonics, the considered teaching of vocabulary across the curriculum and key writing and reading strategies.
Personal
An English enthusiast through and through, I am a keen reader and writer in my own time. I love nothing more than talking about books and swapping reading recommendations!
In May 2024, I became a Boobette Volunteer for the charity CoppaFeel! – delivering talks both in person and online at schools, universities, and businesses to raise awareness of breast cancer in younger people – and encouraging young adults to be body-aware.
I have combined my love of sports (specifically running, swimming and cycling) with an ongoing determination to fundraise for key cancer charities (Teenage Cancer Trust, Macmillan, CRUK and Breast Cancer Now)
Once a week (on Monday evenings) I sing in my local Rock Choir and as a result, there are no Monday night late tuition sessions.