Rachel

Hello, it's nice to meet you! I'm Rachel, an enthusiastic English and English as an Additional Language teacher with a genuine love of life and learning.

I studied Psychology at York University before moving to South East Asia where lived for 10 years. I taught English as an Additional Language in Vietnam and Taiwan. I moved to Cirencester 3 years ago and completed my PGCE in English with Merit from Bristol University.

I am excited to start a new learning journey with you and to help you achieve your goals. I believe my wide and varied range of experience puts me in an excellent position to tailor lessons that are engaging, creative and informative. Whether you are looking for support in learning English as an Additional Language, or guidance at KS3/KS4 or a combination of the two, I am here to plan and deliver high-quality effective lessons that leave you feeling energized and motivated for more!

Tutoring Experience

My first experience in teaching was coaching swimming at pools in my local area whilst I was at college. I had no idea then that my whole career would center around education, which has become a true passion of mine.

Whilst living in Taiwan, I worked for the British Council where I gained a lot of valuable teaching experience. Some highlights included running teacher training workshops for local teachers and completing my TYLEC (a specialist qualification for working with young learners in EAL). I taught in remote areas as well as the main teaching center and worked with a wide variety of students from kindergarteners to CEOs. I really enjoy supporting students in improving their English level as it can create so many new opportunities for them.

After moving back to the UK, I began my PGCE in English to compliment and extend the knowledge I had gained through years of teaching EAL. I was lucky enough to work with some amazing teachers during my training year and I am now based in a secondary school in the local area.

I particularly enjoy teaching Shakespeare as it's so rewarding helping students to overcome the barriers to learning that they experience when reading or watching the plays. Shakespeare is a writer the every student will study at some point during their educational career. During my PGCE, I conducted a research project investigating the most effective ways of making the plays relevant to today's students. It has been a joy to watch learners go from dread and despair (in some cases!) to passion and excitement.

Tutoring Approach

I strive to create an environment where my students feel safe to ask questions and make mistakes as I believe this is an integral part of the learning process. Over the years, teachers who have observed me often comment on the friendly yet professional rapport that I am able to establish with my students and I take great pride in this.

Due to the varied nature of my teaching background, I feel I am able to really cater lessons to suit the individual needs of the student as I have so much experience to draw on. I really enjoy teaching on a 1-1 basis as it allows freedom to tailor lessons to your interests. If you are engaged in the topic the learning will be more effective (and enjoyable!) and this will be reflected in the progress that you make.

In our first session, I will conduct a needs analysis to discover exactly what it is you would like to get out of the course. We will work together and find the best route to achieve this.

If the lessons are for your children, we will discuss the content together and I will keep you regularly updated on the progress they are making. I believe good communication is key to achieving the best results.

Let's get started!