Allie

I am an English teacher and mother of 3 children. I enjoy DIY and upcycling old furniture. I love to read and am a keen cook. My ideal holiday is lying on a sunny beach with a great book!

Tutoring Experience

I have taught in a variety of secondary schools in and around Ipswich, and have experience of teaching for AQA, Edexcel and WJEC Eduqas exam boards. I have also worked with younger children, promoting literacy and reading skills. I have a good track record of working one-to-one to boost confidence and skills. I have read widely, both classic and modern literature, and texts on teaching and learning. As a working classroom teacher, I have up-to-date knowledge of new initiatives and curriculum developments, and bring my constantly developing teaching practice to my one-to-one tuition.
Before re-training as a teacher, I worked in social care in a number of roles, mainly with young people, providing a range of services including teaching basic skills in English and Maths and running a family literacy 'music and movement' programme.
I have also directed a play on the London fringe, and have acted in a number of productions. I studied Media as part of my degree and I bring these two areas of experience to my teaching of English.

Tutoring Approach

Studying English is all about identifying the effect of words on the reader, and then using those same techniques in our own writing. My approach is simple: you are the reader so what does this text make you feel/think/imagine? I provide stimulating, interactive games and activities to give learners the confidence to see themselves as 'the reader' and 'the writer', and thus develop their skills across the whole English curriculum. I am frequently thanked for my 'can-do' approach, breaking studies down into small, manageable chunks. I provide walk-through, 'live' marking so that learners can see straightaway their achievements and targets, and can ask questions so that they derive maximum benefit from every single piece of work they do.
While mindful of the end goal requirements for each grade at GCSE or A-level, I come to each student with no pre-conceptions about their starting point. I tailor each lesson to individual needs and abilities, and provide carefully constructed activities that are challenging without being overwhelming, and ensure progress without losing sight of the need to enjoy the sessions too.