Hannah

I have been teaching English for over 20 years and have 3 children of my own — all three having been through the Kent 11+ process, and currently at grammar schools in Tunbridge Wells.

I am a published poet and writer and also run creative writing workshops for adults and children.

Tutoring Experience

I am Head of English at a prep school in Surrey, but live in Tunbridge Wells (I know — a bit of a commute, but I am now good friends with the M25!).

Throughout my teaching career, I have taught predominantly in the 9-13 age range, with experience of teaching English and verbal reasoning for Kent and Surrey 11+ and also for the KS3 Common Entrance curriculum. In addition to grammar 11+, I have experience of the ISEB entrance exam and independent school entrance exams.

Previously, I taught at Rose Hill School (Tunbridge Wells), Moulsford Prep (Oxon) and Port Regis (Dorset), where I was also a houseparent to 48 teenage girls!

In addition to English, I have also taught RS/philosophy up to GCSE standard for most of my teaching career.

Tutoring Approach

I fully understand the academic pressures children can undergo, be it from school, exams or simply their own standards. I take a kind, focused approach to teaching, and try to establish each child's most productive way of learning (visual, kinaesthetic etc.) so I can individualise my lessons to accommodate their best method of learning.

I am often told that it is my unerring enthusiasm for English and language which makes me an inspirational teacher. Such a lovely compliment, and I truly believe when a teacher loves what they are teaching, so will the child. I encourage children to enjoy and explore English, as well as battle with fronted adverbials and expanded noun-phrases!

As a teacher and mum of three, I believe children learn best when they are at ease, happy and engaged. And fed.