Sara

I have recently become a new mum to a wonderful little boy so am focusing on some one-to-one tuition from home. I studied for my PGCE in Secondary English at The University of Nottingham after completing my English degree, obtaining a 2:1 BA (Hons). For my undergraduate degree I took modules in Drama, Medieval Studies, Literature and Language. I enjoy Gothic novels, alternate history novels, travel writing and the theatre. I have a passion for travel, independently produced films, and an eclectic taste in music. I have spent two summers teaching EFL in Brighton to pupils from all over Europe, putting into practice some university modules on TEFL exposure. I took a break from teaching in December 2012 to fulfill a life long dream of travelling the world. I spent time in Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. I returned to the UK in 2013 and resumed my teaching career, eventually becoming the acting Head of English. I am now thoroughly enjoying being a mum.

Tutoring Experience

Having begun my PGCE course in September 2010, I gained two and a half years of teaching experience at three schools within the Nottinghamshire area (September 2010 - December 2012), also having spent two summers teaching English as a foreign language to students from all over Europe with the company Education First Language School. I also worked on placement as a TA for Nottingham Trent University's Students Associate Scheme from January 2010 to June 2010 whilst studying for my English degree. Upon my return to the UK in 2013, I took up a full-time post as a teacher of KS3, KS4 and KS5 English, as well as GCSE Media Studies. Alongside this, I have been an examiner for the old AQA English Language exam. I am currently trained as an examiner for the new AQA Language specification and will be marking Language Paper 2 in 2019. I have extensively taught both SEN (Special Educational Needs) and EAL (English as an Additional Language) students throughout my career. I have designed countless schemes of work across all Key Stages, attended numerous Shakespearean workshops (including one at The Globe Theatre in London) and am consistently judged as an outstanding teacher. Specific literature covered with GCSE groups includes Of Mice and Men, An Inspector Calls, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, The Yellow Wallpaper, A Christmas Carol, various non-fiction Victorian extracts and the AQA Poetry Anthology. I have taught the outgoing AQA Literature specification at A-Level and have been teaching the new Language spec' since September 2017. I have progressed from a teacher of English to second in department and onto acting Head of English in 2015. I have also successfully gained my NPQML.

Tutoring Approach

I approach tutoring with a calm and friendly manner and endeavour to assist pupils with any problems or concerns they may have within the subject of English. I am an extremely friendly and open person which allows pupils to feel relaxed enough to express both the difficulties they are experiencing and personal achievements they would like to work towards. I like to focus on students' positivity and what they can do, how they prefer to learn new material (rather than talk at them), and work together from there. My aim is to create an environment where students can begin to enjoy learning and take to the task at hand with enthusiasm and self-confidence. I am excited by working with, and motivating, all ages and abilities, engaging with English and sharing ideas. I am very keen to help students understand the new 1-9 grades and aid them in achieving that all important grade 5 and beyond. I have extensive experience with AQA materials and I look forward to researching, planning and preparing to teach of my tutees' exam board requirements.

Lessons could include:

• 1-2-1 help with homework that you bring along
• discussions of set literature texts
• literacy (spelling, punctuation and grammar)
• specific exam question/skiĺls
• creative writing
• Victorian extracts
• context
• Shakespearean language
• analytical essay planning and writing
• poetry analysis
• drama
• timed responses for exam preparation

I currently have very limited availability over the summer holidays but will be taking on more tutees in September. Please message me for updates.

Please note that as of June 2018, missed lessons, without 2 weeks' prior notice, will incur a 50% cancellation charge payable the following lesson. This is to allow me to fill the empty slot in good time with students who would otherwise be turned away for the session you have booked on a weekly basis and to make up for lost earnings. If I were to cancel a session, I accept that I would lose the earnings and so will always endeavour to offer a replacement session where possible. Many thanks