Amanda

At present I am offering tutoring to students for English (Language and Literature) at KS3, KS4, and KS5; tutoring to students for Psychology at KS4 and KS5; tutoring to students for English as a Second Language; and proof-reading for University students.

I went into teaching because I love Literature - although I have been extremely lucky to also teach Psychology (as far removed from literature as one can get!). These two distinct subjects though have a crossover in that they 'teach' a student to become a critical thinker; to question what they read (whether it be fiction or fact) - a skill which is extremely important in our fast paced, modern world. I have been an English Teacher in a Secondary school in North Yorkshire; a teacher of English at KS3, KS4 and KS5, and Psychology KS4 and KS5 in Tanzania - and at present as a (long-term) supply teacher for English. I am aware that tutoring offers a different kind of learning experience for a student, whereby we work one-to-one to enable the client to improve - successfully - at their own pace.

My first degree (gained in 1992 from University of Hull) is a BSc (Hons) Psychology. I used this as a springboard into my first career field which was counselling. I have worked as a member of a team within counselling/support agencies (especially with regard to drug awareness and sexual health), and I have worked as a self-employed counsellor (generic - working with young people and adults).

My second degree (gained in 2010 from Open University) is a MA in Literature. This degree allowed me to study for my PGCE in English with Media at the University of Carlisle and then enter mainstream teaching with a subject I love.

My work in Tanzania was eclectic - not only have I been teaching English, and Psychology, but I have also had a role as the school counsellor.

Tutoring Experience

Prior to 2012 I taught outside of mainstream education - teaching counselling skills to adults, and drug awareness/sexual health to young people (both within a school setting and private setting).

Since 2012 I have been an English teacher of KS3, KS4 and KS5 English Literature and Language. Although I enjoy teaching English Language at KS5 my absolute passion is teaching English Literature at that level as this is my speciality subject. I am also an examiner for AQA GCSE English Literature.

Year 7 to 9 (KS3) - improving confidence, essay structure, creative writing and text analysis (including personal response).
Year 10 and 11 - enhancing skills needed for GCSE including language analysis (novel, short story and poetry), creative writing and essay writing techniques (especially comparative essay writing skills). In psychology: developing skills in writing formally, succinctly, and analytically.
Year 12 and 13 - more academic writing including analytical/critical writing skills.
And pertinent to all of these - building the skills to be a lifelong independent and enquiring learner.

I also teach English to students/adults who do not have English as their first language. My tutees have included adults from Morocco, France and Syria - for some of these we have been working towards the Cambridge examination.

As a teacher of English I teach students of varying backgrounds and abilities and I have built up a strong bank of challenging, focused and fun resources which I use to carefully plan my lessons. Resources that adapt as the curriculum changes - already I am working towards the new English Literature and Language GCSE curriculum. At present I teach to the AQA exam board - with previous experience of other boards: CIE, WJEC and Edexel.

Since September 2015 I have also been teaching A Level (Yr12 & Yr13) Psychology - which I now offer as another subject for tutees.

I am patient, empathic and sensitive to my students needs - working to their strengths whilst challenging them to improve areas of weakness in a supportive and friendly manner.

Tutoring Approach

I am patient, friendly and easy to get on with - I do expect a lot from my students, but I also understand that everyone has different strengths, and learn in distinctly different ways - therefore I adapt my teaching strategies to build on these individual strengths. I strive to make lessons interesting, relevant, challenging and focused - knowing that praise and encouragement are important to building confidence, and progressing. And I am immensely aware that a good sense of humour is vital!

Although teaching to the curriculum I aim to instil an enquiring mind in my students and encourage them to read and learn even outside of the learning environment. Teaching on a one-to-one basis is the ideal teaching scenario as it gives the student dedicated attention and focus, enabling them to improve rapidly. Therefore, I plan each lesson to the aims, learning style, strengths and weaknesses of the student.

I offer tutorials lasting 45mins, 60mins, 90mins and 2hours and outside of tutorials I am always contactable via e-mail.

I am an honest, supportive and committed tutor - with high expectations for all my students.