Holly

I am an engaging qualified teacher and AQA examiner. A love of reading and literature initially inspired me to teach English, and teaching fiction and poetry is my passion. I like to think that my enthusiasm for the subject comes through in my lessons!

I am a firm believer that - whatever your ability - with the right guidance and hard work, any student can increase their ability and grades. It might be that your primary-aged child is struggling with their reading and confidence, and this is inhibiting their enjoyment and effort. You might be working towards exams and have been given a predicted grade that you know you can improve upon but you're not sure how to get there. Perhaps you are hoping to get into a particular school, or want to learn advanced skills to achieve the top marks.

Tutoring Experience

Over the last decade I have worked across both state and independent schools, primarily secondary although I have also done a lot of work in primary and middle schools. I am an experienced private tutor for GCSE (lang and lit) and A Level Literature.
I have an excellent track record of student successes both in-school and through private tuition, and am familiar with most exam boards and texts.

I have been an examiner for AQA GCSE English Language and know the exam board very well, with an excellent understanding of what is required for both papers. The ability to write using a particular voice with confidence, accuracy and flair is valued highly in the language papers and as such, these questions are awarded the highest potential marks. My experience as an examiner means that I have a very good understanding of how to teach creative writing and rhetoric for these exams.

What I can help with:

KS2 and SATs
- Reading and comprehension
- Building confidence
- Spelling, grammar and punctuation support
- Fluency and writing style

KS3 and GCSE English Language and Literature
- Building the foundations of good comprehension / analysis / writing as part of GCSE prep
- Understanding set texts
- Contextual understanding
- Creative writing
- Exam technique

A Level Literature
- Understanding set texts
- Contextual understanding
- Comparative analysis
- High level essay writing

Tutoring Approach

My tutoring style is relaxed and fun. I believe that the key to learning is enjoyment and variety with a gentle approach, whilst ensuring that the most important skills are fine-tuned on a regular basis in a non-intimidating manner. During our initial meeting we can discuss whether you wish to complete prep for our sessions or, if time-constraints do not allow for this, I also allow dedicated writing time within sessions and will mark any work completed promptly and with clear, detailed feedback. I keep track of student progress and we discuss and review targets on a regular basis.

Our initial meeting is a chance to meet and discuss your goals, strengths, and areas you feel you would like to work on. It is also a chance for you to get to know me and decide whether you feel I am the right person to support you!

Please note: the prices shown are based on 50 minute sessions. I have found in the past that this length of time works best, as well as allowing me 10 mins of detailed marking time per student per week.