Anna

I am a highly qualified (PGCE, BSc, CELTA, NPQH) primary/secondary school teacher and tutor with a wealth of teaching and leadership experience gained across mainstream primary, independent all-through schools and international schools in England, Spain and France. I offer private tuition (face to face and online) in the areas of: KS1/2 Primary Curriculum and academic support; SATS/IESB/Common Entrance exam preparation classes and KS1-5 Spanish and French. Having been a Class Teacher, School Leader and Language Specialist in the state and independent sectors from primary to sixth form, I am proficient in quickly tailoring teaching and learning to suit each individual's specific needs.

As the beginning of the 2023/2024 academic year is about to start again, I have some availability to assist both individuals and small groups online. Working alongside your child's school curriculum, tailoring teaching to suit all learning styles and to best fit with your family's routine, below are some key areas in which I can help:

• Help you and your child better understand and complete learning tasks set by school.
• Prioritise and manage set daily/weekly tasks, ensuring progress with and enjoyment in class and home learning activities.
• Provide key curriculum support and guidance, individually or in small groups.
• Align teaching content with your child's interests, through this increasing engagement and extending learning/providing suitable stretch in focused areas.
• Ensure teaching and learning is practical, meaningful and enjoyable.

Tutoring Experience

Most recently, I have been working within the state sector as Deputy Headteacher. I am responsible for whole-school Teaching and Learning, raising standards and Data/Assessment. Additionally, I hold responsibility for Year 6 Class Teaching - preparing children for end of KS2 SATS and transition to KS3 as well as private tutoring to assist with Common Entrance, 11+ and IESB Exams. Having previously worked in an all-through school from nursery to sixth form, I also have experience in teaching Spanish and French at KS3/4/5 level.

I have a wealth of teaching and leadership experience gained across both mainstream primary and independent all-through schools. Additionally, I have spent time teaching in Spain in international schools and privately owned English language academies where I worked for several years teaching English and the UK Curriculum to children, teenagers and adults. After several years in Spain, I moved back to England to pursue a career in the primary education sector. Many of the vast and varied skills I acquired in a business career previous to teaching have been both relevant and invaluable to aid a successful transition into the profession, both as a class teacher, school leader, modern foreign language specialist and private tutor.

Whilst working previously in Spain as an EFL Teacher with a private English Language Academy, I was responsible for teaching various levels of English to adults, teenagers and Young Learners (YL, from 6 years old). The YL syllabus covered grammatical structures, vocabulary and phonology. As part of the YL courses, I also prepared children for the Young Learners Cambridge examinations. I was also responsible for teaching teenagers and adults of varying levels, including Cambridge English examination preparation classes (FCE, CAE and Proficiency).

Tutoring Approach

The foundations of my teaching focus are based on the simple approach that every child is unique. Each learns differently and at a varied pace so I adapt my planning and teaching to cater for this. I take time to understand each individual learner and present an engaging teaching content with correctly differentiated levels of challenge, consistently setting and adapting high yet achievable expectations. My philosophy is that a good teacher motivates, inspires, nurtures, listens and challenges. This is translated into my field of tutoring, where I act as a successful facilitator to help children reach their full individual potential across all areas, not just core curriculum subjects.

I possess a strong sense of fun and creativity, which I bring to the ‘classroom’. By ensuring pupils understand the learning's purpose and that they enjoy learning, this will translate into higher levels of engagement and progress. My initial approach to tuition focuses on understanding the student as an individual and identifying any variations, misconceptions and possible barriers to learning. Each session is then expertly planned and supported to help build confidence and self-esteem through learning, with the ultimate aim of helping an individual realise their full potential and raise attainment. Regular opportunities to revisit identified areas are planned in to build stronger foundations and secure key concepts which will enable a pupil to engage more confidently with their school curriculum.

Developing independent thinking and learning skills in those whom I tutor are of paramount importance. Encouraging learners to become independent in and take responsibility for their learning whilst building resilience are essential tools to help equip young people to meet the demands of our rapidly evolving society. I fully understand the demands and pressures on young people these days and cater to support for these through my teaching practice and content with the ultimate aim of achievement for all and improved academic performance.

Reference feedback received from a current tutee - please see details below

Anna came to help our ten year old daughter pass an entrance examination since we had been told by her current school that she needed some additional support with maths. She arrived, settled down with her easily and I left them to it. Anna has a calm, encouraging and kind yet firm manner. She showed our daughter new methods and also did additional verbal reasoning practice with her which was also required for the exam. Anna's time with her definitely boosted her confidence; in only a few weeks she had our daughter up to speed and we are pleased to say that she has passed the entrance exam. Thank you, Anna!

Molly Maxwell, Alton