Information about Catherine - Hunters Hill tutor -

(3 reviews)

Personal Description:

I worked in United Kingdom Further Education Colleges and Private Language Academies after qualifying in 1998; this involved teaching students and managing staff in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) departments. Students ranged from the ages of 12-70 with English levels from complete beginner to advanced/proficiency.
Since returning to live in Sydney, I have tutored individual students in general English, IELTS preparation and exam techniques to enable them to gain maximum marks in English Language proficiency for residency and visa applications. I have also tutored groups and individuals employed in the corporate world, this includes bank staff, architects, accountants and managers for multi-national companies.

Tuition Experience:

My experience includes teaching courses for all levels of general and academic English. Some students are not interested in tests or qualifications and wish to improve their English skills in general. This is especially important for employees who have been sponsored by companies to work in specific fields, their language ability may be competent within their work environment but they struggle to understand everyday 'Australian'. Some need very specific exam coaching for University study or visa requirements. I specialise in preparing students for Cambridge qualifications; IELTS, FCE, CAE, Proficiency, Cambridge Business English (BEC) and preparation for Australian Citizenship 'Our Common Bond' tests.

I was a teacher trainer for 2 years on the Trinity TESOL programme as well as the Post Graduate Certificate in Education/Certificate in Education courses.

I teach both individuals, pairs and groups of students, mostly adults; but have delivered general English to a small number of (young) teenagers holidaying in Sydney. Their parents saw it as an opportunity for their children to improve their English whilst they were here. This gave the students the opportunity to use 'real life' English. A great way to learn and enjoy the city.

Tutoring Approach:

Every student has their own learning style and their own needs and goals. Initial assessment to ascertain the level and appropriate delivery to successfully help reach these goals is essential. Cultural differences and age must be taken into consideration, pre-taught academic styles differ widely depending on where the students have learned previously and to what level. I believe it is imperative that students are encouraged and supported, that they learn at the right pace for them to achieve, with a clear individual learning plan set out from the start. Formative and summative assessments help both student and tutor to monitor and if necessary amend the learning plan.