Kevin

IT'S A CRUCIAL TIME FOR YEAR 11&13 - I OFFER EXAM REVISION KEY ADVICE, FEEDBACK AND TECHNIQUES TO BOOST THOSE FINAL FEW MARKS. IT'S NOT TOO LATE - GET IN TOUCH! I'M AVAILABLE NOW AND THROUGH THE EASTER HOLIDAYS TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS OR SMALL STUDY REVISION GROUPS.
I currently tutor children I previously taught in school, who asked me to continue supporting them through Years 10, 11 and 13. Even after 'retiring' I still want to support people to succeed. I have been an educator my whole life. After Oxford University I supported adults with learning disabilities, and co-wrote and directed plays for Firebird, an acclaimed disabled theatre company. The day my first son was born, I had a 'calling' to teach, immediately signed up for a PGCE, and never looked back. It has been a privilege to support children through the formative years of their lives. I play sport, have coached football and now am a qualified referee, with Junior Academy level specialism. I love watching films and sinking into a good box set, or go on a sea walk (especially with a dog.) I am married with 2 grown up boys. I can cycle or drive to your home, or teach online.

Tutoring Experience

I have a degree and Masters in English from Oxford University. I worked with people with learning disabilities for ten years. After a PGCE I taught English Literature and English Language through all year groups, specialising in GCSE and A level. I taught Media at GCSE and was Head of Film and Media at A level. At St Brendan's Sixth Form College I was Curriculum Manager for Performing Arts and Media (including Drama) and then Director of Faculty for Humanities, (including Criminology and Sociology.) I was the Media National Assistant Principal Examiner, and am currently English Language GCSE Examiner and Senior Examiner for Film A level. More recently I worked at Wellsway and St Mary Redcliffe schools teaching English, Media and Film at A level and GCSE. Finally, I am currently tutoring children in: GCSE English Language, English Literature and Media, and A level English Language and Literature, Film and Media. I support children and parents with study skills, Personal Statements, and Sixth Form and University choices and applications. I also help professional adults (NHS workers) who seek greater confidence in written or spoken English.

Tutoring Approach

My focus is child / person centred. When I know a child well, I can communicate more effectively, building up a good understanding of them as a person and their educational needs. I believe everyone can succeed, and that confidence and clear guidance are the key factors. From positive attention, students can feel progress and gain motivation. I guide students, give them knowledge, work alongside them, check understanding with questioning, then offer frameworks and bite sized tasks, before finally testing how they can apply their knowledge through independent work. I find, use and explain / unpick actual exam papers and mark schemes and feedback in detail. I also listen carefully to parents, and keep them closely informed.
Being a teacher for twenty five years, I recognise the pressures that young people experience. The beauty of tutoring is being able to tailor and adjust sessions according to a child's energy, urgency and emotional states. I can work alongside a school's timescales (eg towards mocks etc). I am very patient, and will also persevere to help the learner in the way they need.
Being a parent myself, and having navigated my own children from early years to Masters level, I can fully empathize with what a very confusing and stressful journey education is. I will support anyone to achieve their potential, and feel hugely proud of getting desired outcomes for students of all abilities.