Rachel

Hi, I'm Rachel, an enthusiastic, patient and friendly tutor with more than 12 years' experience as a classroom teacher and GCSE English Literature examiner. I passionately believe that every student is capable of achieving their potential, given the right support, and I take pride in my ability to help students achieve their best.

Tutoring Experience

I qualified as a secondary school English teacher in 2008, and have been employed as a GCSE English Literature examiner since 2009. I have taught in a number of highly successful mainstream schools, working with students of all abilities across Key Stages 3 to 5, including students who went on to study at some of the top universities in the country, as well as those with a wide range of additional learning needs. In addition to my time as a classroom teacher, I have also held the position of Lead on Key Stage 4 (GCSE), with responsibility for creating resources and lesson plans for a large department and holding intervention sessions for students who were at risk of not achieving their target grade. My record is excellent, with the overwhelming majority of students I have taught either achieving or exceeding their target grades; I am confident in supporting students of all abilities.

I have taught both WJEC and AQA specifications up to A Level. My work as an examiner is with WJEC; I have marked both exam units, and have a detailed understanding of the requirements of the Non Exam Assessment unit, too. I am more than happy to research the requirements of other exam boards if that is what you need.

Tutoring Approach

I have loved studying English my whole life, and have been an avid reader since childhood; I gain enormous pleasure discovering new worlds, ideas and experiences in my own reading and sharing this enthusiasm and passion with the students I teach is an important part of my approach to teaching. As a highly experienced examiner, I have a detailed knowledge of what is required in examinations; whether your issue is with developing analysis of texts, how to structure a response, or more general exam technique, I am confident that I can help. My specialism is in GCSE English Literature, covering a wide range of novels, plays, and poetry, but I also have considerable experience teaching both A Level Literature, and Language and Literature, as well as all aspects of reading, writing, and oracy at Key Stage 3. I am also able to offer support with developing writing skills, covering a range of different purposes. My approach is completely flexible, and I am more than happy to adapt lessons to suit your individual needs.