Helen

I am a highly qualified and experienced teacher of secondary English, working both in England (for 16 years) and in Australia (for 6 years). In 2022, after 22 years in the classroom, I returned to university to complete an MA in Education. This allowed me to refresh my practice and, hopefully, means that I can combine extensive practical experience with knowledge of contemporary issues in education and new modes of teaching. I am currently completing a PhD in Education, focused on secondary English and the experiences of male pupils. I have particular passion for contemporary novels; film; 19th century literature; film; oracy; and the language of persuasion. Beyond the classroom and the university library, I enjoy reading, the cinema, playing the piano and bassoon, cooking, gardening and getting driven to despair by Scottish rugby and the England cricket teams!

Tutoring Experience

I have 22 years of secondary classroom experience, teaching pupils aged 11-18. These include 11 years as a Head of English. I have taught a range of GCSE and A Level boards, as well as regularly preparing pupils for the Oxford and Cambridge ELAT exam and (successful) Oxbridge applications. I am also currently a GCSE marker (since 2019). I began tutoring at the autumn of 2024 (when I began my PhD in Education) and I have experience providing GCSE preparation, ongoing KS3 and KS4 support and English teaching for homeschooling.

Tutoring Approach

I believe that all students can achieve success in English and that English changes young people. It enables them to become more fully themselves, intellectually and creatively, and to become engaged, informed and compassionate members of society. I set high standards and challenge my pupils with personalised lessons targetting their specific needs. Tutoring sessions are augmented with access to online resources and rigorous feedback on written work. I also believe that a good tutee-tutor relationship is vital to ensure effective progress is made. Consequently, it is important to have an initial trial period to make sure the dynamic works.