Helen

New Starseekers Extension Group meeting in central Cambridge, starting January 2024 for Y5 pupils preparing for 11+ entrance assessments in January 2025 to selective, independent schools in Cambridgeshire.
Year 1 and Year 7 groups starting soon (for 7+ and 13+ entrance exams in January 2025) - please enquire for further details.
I am fully booked for individual lessons at the moment but there are a few spaces available in my forthcoming Year 5, Starseekers Extension Group for children with bright, enquiring minds who are preparing to sit 11+ entrance assessments to highly selective schools (such as The Perse). Groups start in January and meet weekly throughout the year in six, half-termly blocks of 5-weeks. Each block is designed to provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience for pupils who are eager to learn, explore and excel, thus ensuring your child is not only prepared academically but also equipped with valuable skills for lifelong success.

My academic interests include educational research focusing on effective teaching methods and I use my expertise in this area to build upon children's strengths and address any gaps, enabling pupils to become confident, independent and enthusiastic learners. I have spoken at international conferences and my research work has been published.

In-person 1:1 lessons take place in my well-equipped study within my home in Waterbeach, near Cambridge. Group lessons take place either in Waterbeach or central Cambridge. I also offer lessons online with live streaming via Zoom and have found this to be a highly effective method of teaching and learning for all ages, with the additional benefit of convenience for parents.

In my spare time, I enjoy creative writing and working with reclaimed fabrics and other recyclable materials. This summer, I exhibited my work at Cambridge Open Studios and Summer at the Beach.

Tutoring Experience

I am a highly qualified and experienced former schoolteacher with a master’s degree from Cambridge University, a genuine love of teaching and a passion for helping pupils realise their potential. I have more than thirty years of teaching experience in both state and independent schools. Since becoming a private tutor in 2013, I have specialised in working 1:1 with children aged 5-13+ who have many different needs and goals, including those preparing for the 11+ and/or entrance assessments for independent schools such as The Perse, Stephen Perse, The Leys and King’s Ely.

I also have a great deal of experience teaching children and adults with neurological differences such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and ASD.

Tutoring Approach

I am passionate about making learning engaging, relevant and as intrinsically rewarding as possible. My aim is to inspire learners to become more confident in their own abilities and reach their potential by focusing on teaching and learning which is effective, meaningful, creative and fun.

Each lesson is prepared individually, based on the student's own needs and interests. I offer 5 minutes of verbal feedback to parents after every lesson and this is included in my fees (along with my planning and preparation time and all books and resources used during the lessons).

The first lesson is a 'taster lesson' with no obligation to continue (normal hourly fees apply). Following this, as and when I have a suitable space, regular weekly tuition is booked and paid for monthly in advance. I do get booked up very quickly and often have a waiting list so please contact me well in advance, particularly for help with independent school entrance exams.