Karen

I graduated from Homerton College, Cambridge with a teaching degree and went on to complete a master's degree at Loughborough University. After a brief spell working for the Sports Council I began my teaching career in Leeds. When I returned home to Hampshire I taught in infant schools in Netley Abbey and Horndean before taking a post at a leading independent school for girls in Winchester.

Tutoring Experience

After more than 27 years at the chalkface I still love teaching! When I was asked to take on the role of Head of Learning support I jumped at the chance. A year's training at the renowned Helen Arkell centre gave me an excellent grounding in assessing and supporting children with dyslexia and other learning difficulties. I also have a particular interest in maths and the anxiety which some children experience when learning maths which led to the development of Flipp Flopps booklet that help children practise their times tables. The growing awareness that children need visual models of maths is one I wholeheartedly embrace.

Tutoring Approach

I love the challenge of helping children overcome their difficulties so that they can realise their potential. Some children need just a little extra practice, a little extra time and an environment in which they feel safe to make mistakes and talk about what they don't know. Once trust is established we can work out the way forward, the student begins to make progress and their confidence grows. And with confidence and determination anything is possible!