Zena

I have a 100% pass rate on all subjects offered over the 10 year period in which I have been tutoring. I have an MA in the History of Political Thought and Intellectual History from UCL (University College London). I previously studied and obtained a BA(hons) in English and History from Queen Mary, a part of The University of London. Prior to this I studied Philosophy at the University of Southampton. I left Westcliff High School for Girls in 2012 with As in English Literature, History, Religious Studies and Extended Project at A Level. I have worked at The Royal Bank of Scotland Group since May 2010, just before my GCSEs commenced, where I worked 5PM -9PM each weekday evening. Despite this I still achieved A*s in English Language, Religious Studies and I.T as well as As in History, Maths, Biology and Textiles and Bs in Chemistry, Physics, Art, English Literature and P.E. I have continued to work at RBS throughout my studies and find the balance of my work and studies effectively demanding yet satisfying. I think it is important to instil this work ethic in other students and to relate the benefits between academia and work. While studying in my final year of my BA degree I was promoted to team manager at RBS, whilst also being successful in obtaining a place at University College London (UCL). Whilst studying for my MA I have subsequently been promoted to an upper manager and relocated to Edinburgh.

Tutoring Experience

My prior teaching experience includes working at local primary schools as well as a London secondary school, helping with marking students work and invigilating examinations. I have tutored through this site and through word of mouth since 2014 and have had a number of different students across age ranges, subjects and in across England and Scotland. I tutored a football team of boys in year 11 (ages 15-16) (individual tuition and spread through word of mouth) for GCSE English all of whom passed with A*-C grades some of which were predicted and receiving Us and Es prior to my tuition. I have also completed A Level tutoring for English, Religious Studies and History where all students have received A*-B grades. A particular student had received a C and a D in AS Level Religious Studies and English respectively, but after seeking my tuition and doing resits, which I supported the student with, came out with all As at A Level and went on to study English and Film at the University of Leeds. I have also been supporting students with Highers since moving to Scotland and have a thorough grasp of the Scottish education system. I can also support with University applications, in particular personal statements. I have also supported undergraduate students with their studies and specialise in humanities degrees. In my role at RBS I am responsible for a team of 30 with ages starting from 16. In my role as upper manager I am responsible for their training, performance and wellbeing. I have developed young people within my team to become managers themselves, demonstrating my skills at coaching and developing people which I directly transfer into my tuition.

Tutoring Approach

My approach to tutoring is to take it away from the classroom. I explore subjects in a way that relate to children and teenagers whilst still adhering to and meeting the Curriculum and assessment criteria. When you are looking for a tutor for your child or as a student yourself, this is usually due to standardised teaching styles not meeting your or your child’s needs that is why it is important to me not to replicate the normal teaching styles of schools. My aim is to inspire students, and to invigorate them with the desire to achieve anything. I understand that education is sometimes not the primary focus of an individual, and I am more than aware of the pressures children and teenagers are under in order to achieve their own aspirations, such as attending university or learning to drive, and this is why I provide a compassionate and understanding service, ensuring that I work to the needs of the student. I think my dual experience of work and academic study is an important aspect of my tutoring style, as not only can I improve a student’s performance academically but also bring to life the tangible uses of these subjects and the importance of a solid work ethic.