Caitlin

I graduated from Cambridge University in 2018 with a high 2.i in English Literature. I am passionate about education and the arts, and have extensive experience teaching students of all ages. I tutor for English Literature, English language, and History at KS3, GCSE and A Level, and also have experience with the 11+ and 13+ entrance exams. I provide guidance and support for the Oxbridge application process including personal statements, interview prep and exam practise.

My interest in literature extended outside of and beyond my degree. In my third year at college, I was president of my college literary society, where I held weekly meetings in which people could share writing they enjoy or original writing based around a theme I had chosen. I also write my own poetry and have been published in several student publications as well as in zines and exhibitions since graduating. I also have a deep interest in and love for theatre, and directed a student production of Anthony and Cleopatra.

In the final year of my degree, I chose to specialise in a wide range of subject areas, taking papers on Renaissance literature and material culture, and contemporary literature. I also undertook a dissertation which spanned from the early 20th century to the 21st, looking at gardens as sites of remembrance in novels set in the interwar period. Since graduating, I have worked as a library assistant at Cambridge's English faculty library, where I have had the opportunity to teach academic skills and subject based outreach workshops. I have also continued to develop a broad set of literary interests in this position, through creating exhibitions and learning resources.

Tutoring Experience

I have been tutoring English Literature and Language since starting my A-Levels. Over that time I've developed an intuitive understanding of the curriculum, along with the ability to adjust teaching styles and delivery to suit the varying needs of different students. Most recently, I designed and delivered specialist workshops for GCSE and A-Level Literature at the Cambridge University English Library. The workshops ranged from close readings and interpretation of Shakespeare's plays, to the concept of 'Fake News' in the 21st Century.

I have also spent a number of years visiting my old Sixth Form college, working as an Oxbridge Applications Advisor. In this role I assist in the writing of personal statements, interview preparation, and entrance exam practise.

I have experience working with younger children, having had students who were preparing for 11+ exams, and also through running a series of poetry workshops at primary schools in Barnard Castle. The workshops explored ways of analysing and writing poetry, centred around the Primary KS2 curriculum.

Tutoring Approach

I pride myself on enabling my students to feel empowered to express their thoughts and opinions, and feel that this is the key to unlocking developmental potential in any subject.

Confidence building is a big part of my teaching approach, along with Contextualising Study. I also work with students on various Foundations Skills (time-management, dealing with workloads, multitasking, and working memory)

I truly believe that any student has the potential to learn, and hugely enjoy the privilege of teaching.