Stephen

My qualifications include a 2:1 degree, with honours, in English Literature, a PGCE in Secondary English and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). I have been working in secondary schools teaching years seven to thirteen for more than twelve years (ten years were spent in an outstanding secondary school). I have experience of teaching and marking the new 9-1 GCSEs in English Language and English Literature. I also have vast experience teaching and mentoring students with a wide range of abilities and students with Special Educational Needs. My very first Ofsted lesson was graded 'Outstanding', which I am very proud and therefore always attempt to ensure all my lessons achieve outstanding teaching and learning outcomes. I have also received a certificate from Nottingham University for mentoring beginning teachers.

Tutoring Experience

After qualifying as a secondary English teacher in 2006, I took up a full-time post as a teacher of English. Alongside this, I was also Head of House which enabled me to experience the social and emotional barriers to learning and implement strategies to alleviate and remove barriers to learning. I have extensively taught both SEN (Special Educational Needs) with a particular emphasis on ADHD, Autism and dyslexic students throughout my career. I have designed countless schemes of work across all Key Stages and am consistently judged as an outstanding teacher. Specific literature covered with GCSE groups includes Of Mice and Men, An Inspector Calls, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, A Christmas Carol, various non-fiction Victorian extracts and the AQA poetry anthologies: Power and Conflict; Love and Relationships.
I always endeavour to push, challenge and stretch all my tutees so that they work hard and optimise their chances of success.

Tutoring Approach

I approach tutoring with a calm and friendly manner and endeavour to assist pupils with any problems or concerns they may have within the subject of English. I am a friendly and open person which allows pupils to feel relaxed enough to express both the difficulties they are experiencing and personal achievements they would like to work towards. I like to focus on positivity and what they can do, how they prefer to learn new material (rather than talk at them), and work together from there. My aim is to create an environment where students can begin to enjoy learning and take to the task at hand with enthusiasm and self-confidence. I am excited by working with, and motivating, all ages and abilities, engaging with English and sharing ideas. I am very keen to help students understand the new 9-1 grades and aid them in achieving that all important grade 5 and higher. I have extensive experience with AQA and Edexcel examination materials and marking.