Melissa

A Level and ELAT Specialist. Very successful also with 11+, 13+, CE GCSE English Language and Literature, IB

I was educated at Westminster School and Exeter College, Oxford - where I was an exhibition scholar - so I've been lucky enough to have been taught with rigour and enthusiasm and the insight I've gained has stayed with me ever since. I have worked creatively and as an editor in television and am also a published novelist.

I enjoy tutoring immensely, finding it very rewarding to teach a variety of abilities and temperaments and see my students gain in confidence and do well.

In 2019 I was an examiner for AQA GCSE English Language.

Apart from tutoring, I'm a keen cook, reader, love the cinema, being with my family friends and other animals. I love Italy as I'm a huge lover of Renaissance Art.

Tutoring Experience

Freelance English Tutor:
• Preparing students for 11+, Common Entrance/13+, GCSE, IGCSE, A level and ELAT exams in English
• Teaching History of Art A Level and university students
• Teaching enrichment courses to Russian and Chinese students

Employment:
A Level English Language and Literature Lecturer (Cover Contract) - East Sussex College, Hastings.
January-May 2025

KS2 and KS3 English Teacher (Short Term contract)
Willington Preparatory School, Wimbledon, London (Jan 2022-August 2022)

A Level English Literature Tutor, Westminster Tutors, South Kensington, London (Sep 2021-Sep 2022)

Head of English (Maternity Cover) Tower House Preparatory School, Sheen, London (Jan 2020-July 2021)

AQA Examiner - GCSE - Summer 2019
English Teacher and Head of Department
Collingham College, Kensington, London, (2015 to present)
• Taught small groups A Level English literature at an accelerated pace (1 year/18 months)
• Led Easter Revision Courses
• Differentiated work across ability levels, SEN differences and between retake and non retake students.

Please contact me for detailed references.

Tutoring Approach

English is a wonderful subject. I help my students read the text with close attention to and thought. And then teach them to write well.

Once the text is clear any essay question can always be answered. We work on structure and how to fulfill the AOs. I have a rigorous approach but I also think that the experience of being tutored should be fun.