Lucinda

Hello! My name is Lucinda, and I offer private tuition in English. I am a friendly and focused tutor, and work well with both younger and older tutees. I try hard to ensure that my tutees feel comfortable working with me, and I take on as much information as I can from the pupil to ensure that we prioritise topics and tasks that they find difficult. I put great care into planning lessons based on the needs and nature of the pupil. For example, a recent student was preparing for the St Paul’s Girls School entrance exam, which has a comprehension component that is often scientific in nature. To help her prepare, I created comprehension questions on articles from ‘New Scientist’ magazine to familiarise her with that particular kind of task.

I am a graduate of the University of London, where I read Psychology & Philosophy, subjects for which I maintain a keen interest. As part of my studies I took several Developmental Psychology modules, meaning that I am familiar with educational psychology and the main theories of development. I am also interested in memory retention and recall as an educational tool.

As a tutor, I find that there is nothing quite as rewarding as seeing a pupil genuinely enjoying their lessons and making tangible progress, and I aim to make my lessons as interesting and fun as possible.

As well as tutoring, I manage a successful small antiques business supplying private collectors and period sets in film, television and the theatre.

Tutoring Experience

I have been tutoring students English and Mathematics for over 8 years, largely through recommendation. I have particularly strong experience with tutees working towards 11+ and 13+ common entrance exams and KS2 and KS3. Some of my most rewarding work has been with tutees who have gone on to gain places at top independent and grammar schools.

Below is a reference provided by a parent that I am particularly proud of:
“Lucinda had tutored my son in English with the specific purpose of equipping him with the requisite essay-writing and vocabulary repertoire as well as techniques in comprehension to gain 13+ entry into Dulwich College.

My son, prior to Lucinda’s efforts, would rarely read a book, and found English of little interest. With Lucinda’s help, he gradually started reading and enjoying books, particularly because of the exercises that were set as part of his “homework”, and the subsequent review and encouragement offered.

The transformation was extraordinary; we all discovered what a wonderful imagination my son possessed, and importantly how he conveyed his ideas on paper.

Lucinda was always extremely encouraging and positive and my son was always receptive to this style of tutoring.

Needless to say, my son was successful in his exams and gained a place at The College. Incidentally, he just this week received a commendation in English, which demonstrates that the skills he learned with Lucinda have been retained and are still being put to good use.

We are all delighted, and I cannot praise Lucinda highly enough, and wholeheartedly recommend her as a tutor.“ - R.P, September 2017

Tutoring Approach

I am an understanding, approachable and conscientious tutor. I am meticulous in my approach to tutoring, making sure that the student has thoroughly understood before moving on to a new topic. Equally, I understand the importance of challenging and encouraging the pupil and where possible we will progress rapidly.

I enjoy the process of breaking down complex ideas for my pupils (occasionally in a creative and entertaining manner - I have a somewhat silly sense of humour).
I aim to instill confidence in the tutee by working through areas of weakness and cultivating and encouraging an interest in the subject.

I am enthusiastic about English Literature and Language, and encourage my pupils to read for pleasure - once a child is enthralled in a story, reading is the most effortless, effective and enjoyable way to expand vocabulary and become familiar with sophisticated sentence structures. In tutorials, I offer guidance on the rules of punctuation, grammar and literary devices and support my tutees with reading and interpreting texts and writing in the most effective, appropriate and fluent fashion.

When an examination is forthcoming, I will provide and work through relevant past papers, pinpointing and targeting areas of weakness to give my tutees the best chance at success.