Daphne

I am a fully qualified teacher with over 20 years experience. I strive to deliver high-quality lessons, to ensure your child is prepared and confident. The majority of my students come through recommendation 'word of mouth'.

Originally, I pursued teacher training as a stepping stone towards becoming an Educational Psychologist. However, I enjoyed teaching to such an extent that I never stopped!

Throughout my career, I have taught at various educational institutions, from primary schools to universities. Nevertheless, I find the one-to-one teaching experience most rewarding. Occasionally, I still assist educational establishments on a temporary basis, particularly with assessment and annual reviews, an area I specialised in during my time as a SENCo.

Apart from my professional life, I am a proud parent of four children. Three of them have moved on to attend university, while the youngest is at secondary school.

In the past, I was actively involved as a Scout Leader, organising weekly sessions and adventure holidays abroad for my Scout pack. After two decades of dedication to the guide and scout movement, I have recently decided to handover and take a break from camping!

For me, teaching is not just a job; it's a passion. I am dedicated to lifelong learning and consistently invest many hours in researching methods to improve my teaching practice and expand my knowledge. My goal is to help each student I work with to improve, progress, and succeed in their educational journey.

Tutoring Experience

I have been dedicated to teaching for over 20 years. Throughout my career, I have taught a wide range of subjects including Mathematics and Sciences but the subject I have always enjoyed the most is English.

At the Secondary and college level, my main focus has been on GCSE English and IT, and I have also provided assistance to university students who faced challenges with English. Additionally, I worked as a SENCo, supporting students with special educational needs.

Over the years, I have successfully prepared more than 100 students for 11+ and GCSE exams. I take immense pride in their achievements. To ensure their well-being, I draw from my qualifications as a Psychologist and Counsellor to provide emotional support. I teach relaxation techniques to help them cope with study and exam stress. Identifying their most effective learning style is one of my initial steps, enabling me to tailor resources that optimise their learning and retention.

My experience includes working in Supported Learning Departments, where I taught students with learning disabilities such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, and ASD. Currently, I balance my time as a part-time Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCo) alongside my tutoring business, which is soon to become my full-time focus.

Each student I work with receives a personalised learning plan, and my aim is to not only teach them but also boost their self-esteem, confidence, and provide positive and constructive feedback.

Staying up-to-date with the National Curriculum and Entrance Exam requirements is crucial to ensuring the success of every child. Many of the students I have prepared for Entrance Exams have also been awarded scholarships, and I am well-equipped to assist with application processes and teach public speaking and interview skills.

As a tutor, I have successfully prepared children for Common Entrance exams for grammar schools and Independent schools in the South East region. This includes both GL and CEM in English, Maths, Verbal, and Non-Verbal reasoning.

My experience encompasses preparing children for various schools, including but not limited to: Whitgift, Trinity, the GDST schools, Dulwich independent schools, Royal Russell School, Old Palace, the Sutton Grammar Schools, St. Olave's, The Norwood School, and Harris Crystal Palace.

Tutoring Approach

Initially, I gather information from parents, often reviewing a report and discussing the specific areas their child needs to focus on. To understand their strengths and weaknesses better, I assess the students, identifying where I should concentrate my efforts.

My teaching approach incorporates a multi-sensory method, as research suggests that using more than one sense enhances long-term memory retention. I utilise a wide array of resources, including visuals, demonstrations, and worksheets, to cater to diverse learning styles.

My primary goal is to ensure that my students excel in their exams, make progress, and gain confidence. For those preparing for Entrance exams, I customise my tutoring to address their specific needs, teaching strategies to achieve higher marks. We go through past paper mark schemes and sample answers, providing valuable insights into the assessor's expectations.

I try to create a successful learning journey for each child. My focus extends to developing their skills, building self-esteem, and fostering motivation.

For younger students, I tap into their interests, such as favourite characters or films, to design resources and lesson plans that keep them engaged and motivated.

Frequent assessments help me identify any learning gaps, which I promptly address to ensure continuous progress. Each student receives a personalised learning plan, tailored to their individual needs.

As someone passionate about research, I invest substantial effort into finding specific information and resources to support my students in passing various exams, including Entrance exams. I keep myself updated with mark schemes, examiner reports, and specifications.

I am flexible with scheduling, accommodating different preferences. Some students have fortnightly sessions, while others opt for longer or multiple sessions per week. During school holidays, I offer the option of earlier sessions or extra sessions.