Debbie

I am friendly, approachable, patient and easy to talk to. I take pride in my teaching and go above and beyond to help my students.

I am a passionate and avid reader of all genres of literature from historical fiction and psychological thrillers to young adult fiction, magical realism and memoirs. I feel that reading helps us to understand the world arounds us; it changes our perspective about things, people and events. It helps to broaden our minds and shapes us.

I enjoy travelling the world and more recently exploring the natural beauty of the UK. Being an outdoors person, I also love long walks and paddleboarding with my dog Hamish.

Tutoring Experience

I have a plethora of experience teaching students of all ages and abilities. I am also currently head of year 7 and 8 at a small independent school in Newcastle. Prior to this, I taught at a very large, high achieving state school in the East Riding of Yorkshire. I am also an examiner of GCSE English literature marking scripts for AQA. This experience has given me a valuable insight which I utilise when preparing candidates to sit these exam papers.

I achieved my Post-Graduate Certificate of Education at the University of Hull, specialising in English literature and language. Prior to attending the PGCE course, I graduated from a degree of Bachelor of Arts With Honours Second Class (Division One) in English.

Tutoring Approach

I believe that learning should be fun and rewarding; if a student is enjoying themselves then this often leads to greater confidence and understanding. Every student has different needs and a different style of learning and I aim to ensure that specific individual needs are met. I feel discussion around questions are valuable in English and this then leads to written work. However, most importantly, if the student tells me what they find hard or what they don't understand then we can work on it; so the student is at the centre of their own learning: they direct the journey and I facilitate it.

Initially I will spend a little time getting to know the student and commit to the right approach in order to support the student's needs in the best possible way. I will achieve this by discussing needs and preferences with each new tutee to find out what they want to achieve.

If you have any questions about my suitability or availability please do not hesitate to contact me through FirstTutors. CRB, QTS, references etc. can be provided on request.