Florence

I am an English and Comparative Literature PhD student at Goldsmiths College, University of London. I have several years of tutoring experience and have worked extensively in schools as a PhD tutor for a university access charity The Brilliant Club and as a Teaching Assistant in both Primary and Secondary schools in London and East Sussex. Prior to beginning my PhD I worked full-time as a Teacher Associate at Kingsford Community School, Beckton.

My PhD research is at the intersection of Literary Studies, Philosophy, Cultural Theory and Intellectual History. My period is eighteenth-mid twentieth century.

My DBS is registered with the update service.

Tutoring Experience

I have worked extensively with children and young people with teaching experience through from KS1 to university undergraduates. I currently run seminars at Goldsmiths and work as a PhD tutor for The Brillant Club.

The Brilliant Club is a university access charity that mobilises the PhD community to teach some aspects of their research in placements delivered to more able students at schools in areas of high deprivation. I deliver a course of my own design that critically engages with changing notions of progress as they have appeared at various points from the eighteenth century to the present. I teach this to KS4 and KS5 pupils in a series of university-style tutorial sessions which are intended to operate at a level above that at which the students are expected to work in school. I also teach several courses for younger students: An Introduction to Literary Theory, An Introduction to the Portrayal of Nature in Literature, An Introduction to Art History and Visual Narratives in Painting, a course on the Windrush generation, Migration and Belonging, and a course on the material, social, and intellectual causes of the French Revolution.

From 2015-2016, I worked as a Teacher Associate at Kingsford Community School, a large secondary school in Beckton. I supported whole-class lessons as well as teaching small groups and one-to-one. I staged literacy interventions for pupils with dyslexia and work daily with pupils with Special Educational Needs, some of them complex, including ASD, ADHD, and severe anxiety.

I organised and ran Gifted and Talented seminars offering upward differentiation so I have lots of experience in helping more able pupils stretch and challenge themselves.

Before starting this employment, I already had two years of private tutoring experience in English Language, English Literature, and History where I consistently raised achievement. I have also helped students who are sitting the Edexcel International English GCSE. I proof read essays, personal statements, CVs and blog posts for those whose English is a second language or who want a little extra help. My school students have received excellent feedback from their class teacher since we started working together. I also have the experience of assisting GAMSAT candidates with the written communication section of their exam.

Tutoring Approach

I am a kind, patient and friendly tutor. I tailor my lessons to the needs of the individual learner, offering exam preparation sessions and general support with the syllabus. My Drama & Theatre Studies background means I am very used to enabling students, especially children, to actively engage with the subjects being taught. I like to work by asking lots of questions so I can tell that my student has a high level of understanding all the way through the process, and encourage my students to be inquisitive and critical. I offer a discount on 2 hour sessions or 1 hour sessions for 2 students in the same location.