Roisin

My name is Roisin Removed. I graduated from Queen's University Belfast in July 2008.
I completed a Masters Degree in Renaissance Literature (think Shakespeare and his contemporaries), and the PGCE (teacher training) in English, Drama in Media in 2014.

Strangely enough the reason I want to teach is because I hated school. It wasn't until I left school at 16 that I realised the importance of education and just how much it can contribute to the development of good and interesting people. I want to be able to instil in others the confidence that I lacked as a teenager. I know from experience how invaluable it can be to find something that you are passionate about. I know how important it is to find something to be good at.

Tutoring Experience

I have taught in a variety of secondary schools with a wide range of abilities. I have taught Key Stage 3 English, Drama and Media, and GSCE English Language, and Literature under both CCEA and AQA specifications.

I have tutored A' Level Drama and provided 'crash courses' preparation for exams for both A' Level and GSCE.

I currently work full-time with a training organisation teaching Essential Skills Literacy, and City & Guilds Life Skills (Employability, and Personal Development).

Tutoring Approach

Ideally I would prefer to work one on one with the tutees in my home although I could work online if that were more suitable. I am also willing to work in a public library or somewhere suitably appropriate. I would at first try to get an idea of just how much of a grasp the tutee already has on the subject before covering the basic theories. After that I will apply these to the texts they are studying and hopefully enable them to find what they need on their own. The study of English is not clear cut, one of the main things you are always likely to hear from any English teacher/student is that 'there is no right answer'. However, there is a right way to find answers, a right way to put those answers down coherently and effectively. It is about connecting with a text and the meaningful use of language, breaking down the text and examining grammar and language for example, in order to fully grasp the intention and meaning of the work. There are fundamentals that make studying English more manageable and I want to provide my tutees with the skills to eventually be able to find the right way by themselves. I will also give assignments to ensure of their development, the size of these assignments will vary according to their current workload. I intend to be strict, when I ask for an assignment I will expect it to be done. That said, I more than understand the pressures of studying and how hard it can be finding time to relax and 'have a life' when there are piles of notes and books to work through. I have done all my studying since I was sixteen and looking after my children so I know how to work time management. I will naturally always take into account personal circumstances when setting work for my tutees but will expect a consistent flow of feedback and signs of progress.

Ultimately, I hope to make the study of English an enjoyable one. My main object is to stand tutees on their own feet and see them to successful completion of their exam. That would mean a job completed; but if I can create in another person the love and passion I have for it then I will consider my job well done.

I am an approachable person. Once with a tutee I will be available to them as much as possible should they need my advice beyond the tutoring session.