Information About John - Dungarvan tutor

Personal Description:

Hello, my name is John and I’m a graduate of University College Cork, where I earned a First Class Honours (1.1) degree in English. In my Leaving Certificate, I achieved an H1 grade in several essay-oriented subjects, such as History, Geography, and English. Having attended St. Augustine’s College in Dungarvan, I understand the challenges that come with preparing for any of these exams, as they demand a strong grasp of essay structure, critical thinking, and the ability to express ideas clearly under time pressure. This was something I was fortunate enough to excel in because of the extracurricular tutoring I received during my time in secondary education.

Now, as that tutor, I aim to make the subject of English more manageable and enjoyable for students. My grinds focus on clear, practical guidance tailored to each student's needs — whether that’s improving essay structure, tackling unseen poetry, or building confidence in written expression. My goal is to help students feel more prepared, focused, and confident in their English work.

Tutoring Experience:

I am currently working as a substitute English teacher, where I support students in developing their language and literary skills in the classroom. In addition to this, I have over three years of experience providing one-to-one English grinds, helping students at both Junior and Senior Cycle levels improve their writing, exam technique, and overall confidence in the subject.

Over the past two years, I have also directed two theatrical productions, which not only reflect my passion for the English language but also highlight my ability to lead, teach, and collaborate effectively with students in a creative setting. These experiences have strengthened my skills in communication, organisation, and student-centred learning.

Approach to Grinds:

My approach to grinds centres on building a genuine connection with each student through consistency, trust, and belief in their potential. I understand that the Junior & Leaving Cycle English courses can sometimes feel overwhelming, with endless amounts of tedious learning, but I aim to make the learning experience enjoyable and accessible.

As a visual and active learner myself, I use creative methods such as interaction with the material, visual diagrams, and personal relatability to bring the material to life and make complex ideas easier to understand. Most importantly, I create a supportive space where students feel confident to ask questions, take risks, and grow — because when a student knows you believe in them, they start to believe in themselves.