Ellie

As a first-year Criminology student at the University of Nottingham, I bring a unique blend of academic excellence and personal resilience to my tutoring. I achieved straight Grade 7-9s at GCSE and ABC at A-level, including an A in Geography and a B in English Literature – a particular feat as I self-taught much of my A-level content due to significant time missed for surgery. This personal experience fuels my passion for tutoring: I understand firsthand the challenges of falling behind and am dedicated to providing the support I wished I had.

With over 300 hours of experience across KS3 and GCSE Science, and GCSE and A-level English Literature, I've had the privilege of working with over 30 students with SEN needs, helping them achieve top grades. My familiarity with the 11+ and 13+ curriculum also further broadens my ability to support a diverse range of learners. Outside of my studies, I enjoy staying active at the gym, spending time with friends, and catching live music.

My approach to tutoring is not one-size-fits-all; it's a dynamic, interactive journey meticulously crafted for each student. I firmly believe that effective learning stems from personalised lesson plans, built upon a thorough understanding of each student's current knowledge, learning style, and specific areas for improvement. Before our sessions begin, I take the time to discuss your child's academic background, identify their strengths, and pinpoint concepts that pose particular challenges. This initial assessment allows me to design a roadmap for our sessions, ensuring that every minute is productive and directly addresses their needs.

My lessons are highly interactive, moving beyond rote memorisation to foster genuine understanding and critical thinking. I employ a variety of engaging techniques, including:

Encouraging students to think deeply and articulate their reasoning rather than simply providing answers.
Real-world examples and analogies: Connecting abstract concepts to relatable situations to make them more digestible and memorable, particularly valuable in Science.
Problem-solving scenarios: Applying theoretical knowledge to practical problems, building confidence and exam technique.
Discussion and debate: Especially in English Literature, fostering nuanced understanding of texts and developing persuasive argumentation skills.
Visual aids and mind maps: Catering to visual learners and helping to consolidate complex information.
A cornerstone of my methodology is providing students with access to top-level exam answers. This isn't about memorising model answers, but rather about deconstructing them. We'll analyse what makes an answer exceptional: the depth of analysis, the clarity of argument, the use of subject-specific terminology, and the effective application of knowledge. By understanding the benchmark of excellence, students gain a clear target and learn how to elevate their own responses. This process involves:

Annotating and discussing exemplar answers: Identifying key phrases, structural elements, and analytical insights.
Reverse engineering successful responses: Breaking down how top students approach questions and construct their arguments.
Practising applying these techniques: Guided practice sessions where students attempt questions and then compare their work to top-level examples.
Furthermore, I pride myself on delivering competent and constructive feedback. My feedback is not just about pointing out mistakes; it's about explaining why something needs improvement and how to achieve that improvement. This involves:

Detailed written feedback: Providing specific comments on written work, highlighting strengths and areas for development.
Verbal feedback during sessions: Engaging in real-time discussions about misconceptions and guiding students towards correct understanding.
Actionable steps: Providing clear, manageable strategies for students to implement in their independent study.
Ultimately, my goal is to provide comprehensive student support that extends beyond the lesson time. I am committed to being a reliable resource for my students, offering encouragement, answering questions between sessions where appropriate, and celebrating their successes. I believe in building a strong rapport with each student, fostering a safe and encouraging environment where they feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and ultimately, thriving. My personal journey through academic challenges has instilled in me a deep empathy, and I am genuinely invested in empowering each student to overcome their hurdles and unlock their full academic potential.

Tutoring Experience

I have tutored GCSE English language for over 300 hours. I achieved full marks in my transactional writing section as well as 38/40 on my imaginative writing section. I have full access to these examples and also other examples
I have a vast knowledge of English at GCSE level and A level so I know what examiners look for in students answers. I achieved a Grade A* and an A in my own Science GCSE in 2022. I tutored over 30 students throughout my time in sixth form, helping them to achieve a minimum of an A grade at GCSE by their final exams
For this reason, I have experience in working with the curriculum that will be covered.
I have various students who have learning difficulties, including dyslexia so I have a clear understanding of how to approach teaching and how to make the learning environment accessible to students with different SEN or learning needs.

Tutoring Approach

My lesson style will be interactive and include top grade model answers for English at all levels.
I achieved a Grade A* and an A in my own Science GCSE in 2022. I tutored over 30 students throughout my time in sixth form, helping them to achieve a minimum of an A grade at GCSE by their final exams
Key Point 2 I am currently teaching a student through Titanium tutors who is also beginning their GCSEs next year. For this reason, I have experience in working with the curriculum that will be covered
I have in depth understanding of all areas of science, my strengths are biology and chemistry. I do have the ability to teach physics. My lesson styles are interactive and will include plenty of opportunity to apply the content learnt to exam style questions.