Phillip

I am a 46-year-old secondary school English teacher turned tutor. I love my subject and still gain enormous pleasure from helping students to discover the joys of English language and literature. I'm a bird-watching, theatre-going, Italian-learning lover of life. I adore my dog: she rules the roost. I'm an empathetic person and believe that kindness and respect are everything.

Tutoring Experience

I have 20 years' experience teaching KS3, GCSE and A level English (literature). I have held deputy head of department posts in two schools and have supported LGBT+ students and their allies by running weekly pride group meetings. I am an experienced examiner (AQA GCSE English Language and WJEC GCSE English Literature) and have trained other English teachers to mark and moderate mock examinations. I have experience supporting students across the ability range in all aspects of secondary school English, including core literature set texts such as Macbeth, A Christmas Carol, An Inspector Calls and Power and Conflict Poetry. As a literacy coordinator I also have extensive experience supporting students with all aspects of reading and writing, including spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Tutoring Approach

My approach is very much student-led. I like to get to know students and tailor learning to suit their interests and needs. English offers a unique opportunity in the curriculum to adapt learning to suit particular interests so I always try to make lessons engaging by selecting resources linked to student hobbies and passions. Core knowledge is at the heart of my teaching approach and I like to repeat retrieval quizzes to ensure that students have the knowledge they need to pass all of their exams. Talk is also important in my teaching approach: good writing flows from the ability to speak thoughtfully so I use discussion to help students to generate ideas and vocabulary. I have a very open approach and like to take student feedback regularly so that lessons can be adapted to ensure maximum progress and enjoyment.