Karen

I am a supportive PGCE qualified and student focused tutor, with 25 years experience of working with a variety of age groups (from year 9, aged 13 into adulthood) and learning needs. I tutor 14 - 16 students per week and I have been successfully tutoring GCSE English language and Literature students for 12 years (using the exam boards: AQA, Edexcel and Eduqas) as well as those studying Business English and English as an additional language (EAL). I taught English in France for several years at a French High school. Previously to that, I worked as a tutor, lecturer and assessor, in further and higher education. My first degree was in Business Studies and then I specialised in Personnel and Development, working in the public sector and as self-employed Management Consultant, delivering bespoken courses and business support.

Tutoring Experience

I have for several years been successfully tutoring English to young people and adults studying for GCSE's, Business English and English for non native speakers (EAL). My experience further extends to supporting students with developing self confidence and those with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and ADHD. For a number of years I lived in France and taught English upon the Baccalaureate in a French High school. I also taught English as a second language (EAL) in France preparing students for the Cambridge First Certificate examinations and during school holidays I devised individual English immersion programmes and tutored French students aged 12 -20 in my own home.
I have also successfully tutored English native speakers to achieve the IGCSE English Language qualification (although do not offer the IGCSE course now).
My UK experience extends to previously lecturing and teaching in Higher and Further education. For many years I devised courses, taught, assessed and tutored in Management and Leadership, Personnel and Development and Business Start-up programmes, specialising at University level in communication and personal development upon undergraduate programmes, including dissertations and extended projects.

Tutoring Approach

Each session is tailored to the individual needs of the student, as I feel it is important to treat everyone as individuals. My sessions are structured in terms of content, but relaxed in terms of delivery, allowing plenty of opportunity to discuss, laugh and ask questions. My approach is to use techniques to engage with students to show how they can develop using their strengths, to listen effectively to what students say and provide positive feedback to enable students to develop at their own pace. I try to provide innovative support and ideas for students with dyslexia to enable them to memorise work and key vocabulary.

My style is to help the student develop their skills in a relaxed and supportive manner both to pass their qualifications, but more importantly to develop skills for their future qualifications and careers. I must therefore make it clear that I am passionate about the support that I provide and that I understand how difficult it can be studying in addition to daily activities, that said: I am not the tutor for you, if you just want one lesson for me to complete your homework or to undertake your research for you to pass an

Wednesday 16.15 - 17.15

Payment for the first lesson is made after the lesson has taken place, thereafter, further lessons are booked and paid for in advance, in blocks of four. This is to enable you to keep a regular weekly slot and to plan around your family, school and holiday commitments.

If you need to cancel a pre-booked English session, 48 hours’ notice is required where 50% of the lesson rate will be retained (the residual lesson balance will be returned to you or used as part payment, whichever you prefer); where cancellation takes place less than 48 hours of the pre-booked lesson the full lesson charge will be retained.