Joanna

I have been teaching for 18 years and have taught students from 6 years old through to adults. I have worked extensively in the UK (including Higher Education), and at an international school in Spain. I am also a GCSE English Language examiner.

I have a first class honours degree in English and Politics from the University of York - I love English and I want you to love it too! I am passionate about enabling everyone to reach their potential. I specialise in KS3; GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Literature; adults who are returning to education after a break; academic skills for Higher Education; and students who are learning English as a second language (including preparation for the IELTS exam).

Tutoring Experience

I have been tutoring online (in addition to my classroom teaching), since 2016 using a range of online platforms such as Skype, Zoom and Teams. I have a PGCE and I became CELTA qualified, graded Outstanding in all areas, in 2014. I also have an Understanding Dyslexia qualification from London South Bank University. This is a particular area of interest to me and I have taught many dyslexic students who have successfully achieved their qualifications. I teach a wide range of exam syllabuses which include: AQA, Cambridge, Edexcel, WJEC and OCR.

Throughout my teaching career, I have worked with students 1:1; in small groups; team teaching; and whole class teaching. I have taught a wide range of content (study skills, communication skills, academic skills, English, maths, ICT and ESOL) across a range of courses which include:

PGCEs
BA Degrees in English
Foundation Degrees
Access courses
BTECs
NVQs

2021-22 GCSE student feedback examples from AQA English Lit & Lang, Y11 students. Each student received 1 hour's weekly Zoom tuition for 1 academic year (references available):

'Before Joanna started helping me with my English I was set to fail my English GCSEs, but with her help she helped me become more confident in myself and my abilities with English. She is a lovely, kind, funny person and her teaching methods definitely helped me to get passes in both English literature and language. I honestly couldn’t be more grateful for help and her patience in getting me through some very tough months.'

‘I finished bottom of my English class at the end of year 10 and Joanna helped me turn things around by moving up 6 entire grades and surpassing most of the other students in my class. Joanna's friendly, knowledgeable approach to tuition has really helped me this year and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to anyone.’

'Before Joanna I lacked confidence in my English abilities and I was predicted a grade 6. However, Joanna really turned things around for me and I received two 8s in my English GCSEs. I would strongly recommend Joanna as she helped me to feel exceptionally prepared for my exams and I looked forward to her sessions every week.'

Work experience:

Current
I am an online freelance English tutor covering all aspects of English to students across the world. I have also been a GCSE English Language examiner during this time.

Spain
I worked at an international school in Spain teaching across all of KS3. During this time, I became the only IGCSE English Language teacher. I had 6 months to prepare IGCSE English Language students for their exams with fantastic results (available on request).

York
University of York: I worked as a Student Support and Advice Coordinator for 2 years providing advice and guidance to applicants, parents, schools, students and academics on studying in Higher Education (with a specialism in Student Finance and money advice). This included running workshops and delivering talks at national conferences. In this role, I was also the Dedicated Contact for Care Leavers and Estranged Students which included support with transitioning to university, 1:1 pastoral support, and building peer networks. Some highlights:

1. Securing an enhanced bursary for Care Leaver and Estranged graduates in 2020: https://www.york.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2020/research/graduation-bursary-boost/

2. Sharing sector best practice, OfS: https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/coronavirus/coronavirus-case-studies/students-without-family-support/

3. Achieving the Care Leaver Covenant and the Stand Alone Pledge: https://mycovenant.org.uk/opportunities/university-of-york/ and https://www.thestandalonepledge.org.uk/champion-institutions/21-north-east/91-university-of-york

Additionally, I was the project lead for multiple projects to support underrepresented students at university. This was a new role and I put in place initiatives such as pre-arrival inductions; welcome events; new online content (including web pages, social media accounts and marketing materials). One outcome was setting up and establishing information, events and networking for First Generation students at the university:
https://www.york.ac.uk/students/support/first-generation/

York College: I taught GCSE English Language resits, and Functional Skills for 4 years. I collaborated with my team to switch to the new 9-1 AQA spec (only 2 colleges in the UK did this in 2016; we doubled our pass rate in the first year). Additionally, I taught and developed the team’s resources for English as a second language, and Neurodiverse (ND) students. News article here: https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/ryedale/15488960.gcse-results-day-2017-for-york-north-and-east-yorkshire/

Jam Factory Studios, York: Whilst teaching at York College, I also taught Pearson Edexcel GCSE
English Language (9-1) and academic skills to Music students.

​​London
I worked peripatetically in a large, multi-site college in London for 12 years. I had varied roles during my time there, and here are some examples of the work I did: worked as an Additional Learning Support Specialist Tutor in English and maths classes; set up and coordinated the 6 book challenge and achieved Gold (top 3 nationally); organised community events in partnership with local authorities and libraries; ran book groups for refugees; raised literacy standards through college-wide events such as author visits, pop-up poetry, and creative writing workshops; supported academic departments by designing and delivering additional bespoke courses; managed a library team; developed accredited study skills courses; developed and coordinated college-wide CPD days for 800+ staff; delivered qualifications in partnership with local services such as libraries and universities (for instance the University of Greenwich, and the University of East London). One example of the successes: https://readingagency.org.uk/young-people/resources-for-librarians/summer-reading-challenge-case-study-lewisham.html

Tutoring Approach

I really enjoy what I do and I aim to build confidence and study skills, alongside qualifications. I always assess a student's skills and identify areas of strength, as well as key areas for development.

I can offer tuition sessions of one, two or three hours on a regular basis.

Intensive lessons during the holidays or exam revision is also possible, on request. I can deliver a bespoke course if you would like; please be aware the price is dependent on what you require.

If you would like a quicker response, please let me know:

1. the education stage you are enquiring about i.e. Year 10
2. the exam board you are studying (if relevant)
3. why you are interested in arranging English tutoring
4. how often you would like lessons
5. when you are available

Please do not contact me unless you can provide this information and want a minimum of an hour's weekly lesson. Thank you!