Information About Sam - Thornton Heath tutor

Personal Description:

I have had thirty years teaching and tutoring experience. I have B.A. and M.A. degrees in History from the University of Cambridge. I am a very patient, positive and flexible person and my wide range of experience has provided me with a broad range of skills and approaches to learning. I retired from full-time teaching in 2011 and, since then, I have been undertaking some voluntary teaching of reading to adults, as well as helping to improve the written and spoken English to an adult whose first language is Italian. I enjoy teaching and tutoring and encouraging my students to make progress and, if appropriate, to improve their own English by reading and writing in their own time. I can recommend suitable reading for all ages and all levels of ability.

Tutoring Experience:

I have taught History up to A Level and English Language up to GCSE level, both in secondary schools and in a further education college. I specialise in 20th. Century History. I have also taught pupils with a wide range of Special Needs, including Dyslexia and Aspergers' Syndrome, at both secondary and further education levels. Most of my experience has been in Inner London. I also have extensive experience of assisting pupils with university entrance, especially with writing Personal Statements. I have also been Head of Careers at a secondary school. I have done a great deal of tutoring of year 6 pupils in English and Mathematics, to assist them in their applications to secondary schools. I do not have experience with pupils below the age of 10. I have, throughout my career, undertaken courses to ensure my continuing professional development.I have supported many pupils in class which has given me a broad knowledge of the subjects and skills necessary to succeed at both GCSE and A Level.

Tutoring Approach:

I approach each pupil individually to enable me to identify their strengths and those areas on which they need to concentrate to achieve overall academic success. I identify and respond to a pupil's learning style and personality and design my lessons to be accessible and appropriate to each pupil individually. I frequently monitor their progress and, if necessary, try a range of approaches to ensure that the pupil has fully understood the subject and is able to apply what they have learned. If they are studying for a particular test or exam, I practice sample questions with them , familiarise them with the test or exam and teach aspects such as the required vocabulary, the specific skills needed, how to time their answers and other specific skills.