Mary

All GCSE English Tuition takes place online using Zoom and Google Docs*

My lessons include:
* Building confidence
* Learning relevant vocabulary
* Improving spelling (if needed)
* Establishing a sound knowledge of the texts and poems studied and learning relevant quotes
* Going through exam papers
* Improving creative writing

Friendly and approachable, I specialise in teaching GCSE English and GCSE English Literature. I usually teach from home in the centre of Ashford, Kent, where I live with my husband, two younger children (born 2002 and 2009) and my dogs Sally and Snowy.

*I am thrilled to have received the following feedback from a student. At the beginning of Year 11, D was working at a Grade 5 level and was predicted a 6/7. D worked extremely hard during the year to improve his Grade and has achieved a 7 in Lit & 8 in Language, meaning he is able to go to the grammar school of his choice for A Levels:
"Hey, just messaging to let you know, that I got a 7 in English Literature and an 8 English Language (with a Distinction for the speaking & listening) so I just wanted to thank you for everything!!!"

I have an enhanced DBS check.

Tutoring Experience

A qualified English teacher with a degree in English Language and Linguistics, I have 20 years' experience teaching English and History both 1:1 and to small groups. Most of my current work is 1:1, supporting what the student is studying in school, but I also have much experience teaching home-educated children.

At the moment I am teaching several students who are aiming at the top GCSE grades and am giving guidance on how to achieve that.

Feedback: "Mary tutored our son in year 11 and came highly recommended. She had her work cut out with us as our son has mild autism and ADHD and struggles with English. He was predicted a grade 3 or 4 when we asked Mary for help and he managed a grade 6 (and not far off a 7) in the GCSE English Language exam about a year later. Mary really is a very skilled English teacher but also knows exactly what is required to gain the marks in particular exams. She is very calm, determined and full of good advice. She knows her subject inside out and is full of tips on strategies and techniques to help in the exams. If you are lucky enough to have Mary as a tutor you will be in safe hands."

Tutoring Approach

All lessons are tailored to the individual and I encourage my students to take ownership of their learning, progressively developing study skills. It has been very rewarding to see some of my new students improve their monitoring grades after only a few lessons.

For students who require help with English Literature, I usually teach one text and set homework to revise one poem per week from the relevant poetry cluster and then test it the following week. If needed, I also teach and test subject terminology and vocabulary. I regularly revise what we are doing to make sure it is the best fit for the student and encourage each student to identify his or her areas of weakness. Following mock exams, we go through the paper sat (where available - some schools set their own papers) with the mark scheme in front of us, to enable the student to identify where marks were lost. I generally email homework and encourage students to email me with any areas of difficulty or changes in what they want me to teach during the following session.

Lessons are booked and paid for half-termly by cash or bank transfer and are non-refundable. Email receipts are always sent.

Please note I do not offer fortnightly or monthly lessons: all slots for term-time lessons are for weekly tuition.

Current availability: Wednesdays 4.30pm-5.30pm