Hazal

I am a full-time private tutor and educational consultant located in West London, providing bespoke educational support tailored to the needs of each student. I graduated with a 2.1 BA in English Language and Literature, and I have undertaken postgraduate studies in Comparative Literature and Philosophy at King’s College London. With 10+ years of experience in the educational sector, including former roles as a schoolteacher, I offer both in-person and online lessons 7 days a week, encompassing primary education to university level and professional development.

My in-person lessons mainly take place in West London, e.g., Kensington, Holland Park, Hammersmith, Maida Vale, and Ealing. I also reach students in farther locations, such as Watford and New Malden, demonstrating my commitment to flexibility across a broader geographical scope. In tandem, I carry out regular online tuition to international students from Europe, China, and South America, easily adapting to different time zones to offer lessons at times ranging from early morning to late evening.

I maintain full availability during Easter, Christmas, and half-term breaks to match the busy schedules of my clients, ensuring high-quality tutoring at times that best fit their individual needs.

Tutoring Experience

*** Early Years and Entrance Exam Specialisation: 4+, 7+, 11+, 13+, 16+
Specialising in the journey from first lessons to school success, I take on students as young as three, seamlessly guiding them from the foundational 4+ assessments through to the 7+ exams. My teaching approach is highly interactive, laying a foundational understanding of literacy and critical thinking through engaging, thought-provoking activities specifically designed for these formative years. I proficiently deliver all core subjects up to Key Stage 2 and offer comprehensive and cohesive tuition that aligns with the breadth of these early years’ curriculums. As we progress to the 7+ examinations and when needed, the 8+ and 9+, the learning journey is carefully adapted to build upon each child’s growing capabilities.

For the pivotal 11+, 13+, and 16+ entrance and scholarship exams, my focus narrows to teaching English and reasoning. My familiarity with a diverse range of schools and the ISEB structure has consistently led to helping students secure placements at top-tier schools, including St Paul’s, City of London, North London Collegiate, King’s College, Westminster, Latymer Upper, Emanuel, Brighton College, and Winchester.

I quickly form strong bonds with my students, creating an environment where they feel comfortable expressing themselves and learning from their mistakes. This ability to connect has often been highlighted by parents, noting the positive impact on children who initially may have been hesitant or lacking in confidence.

A standout achievement amongst my 11+ candidates involved a student who initially saw English as his archenemy. Through weekly online tutorials during the pandemic, he not only overcame his aversion but also published a book, contributing the proceeds to a charity aiding families with low incomes. My role extended beyond tutoring to include editing his work and preparing him for media interviews with the BBC and ITV. His remarkable journey culminated in winning a full scholarship to Bolton School, his top choice, a testament to the profound impact of dedicated mentorship and my belief in the potential within every child to achieve greatness.

*** GCSE, A-Level and the IB
Over the past decade, I have extensively taught GCSE and A-Level syllabi across various examination boards, including AQA, OCR, Eduqas, Edexcel and Cambridge. My familiarity with their distinct examination structures, types of questions, and canonical texts is comprehensive. I excel in guiding students on the nuances of essay writing, ensuring their work secures full marks through a deep understanding of the texts and effective articulation of their insights.

I have a wealth of experience working with students who initially scored as low as grades 1 and 2 in their GCSE English Literature and Language exams. Through targeted tutoring, I successfully guided them to achieve at least a grade 6. This marked improvement showcases my ability to elevate students’ comprehension and analytical writing significantly. Conversely, I regularly assist students who excel in English yet lack the critical finesse, understanding of literary theory, or mastery of essay structure necessary to secure A* grades. Combining in-depth knowledge of the syllabi with a focus on advanced literary analysis and essay technique, I have consistently helped students reach the pinnacle of GCSE and A-Level English achievement.

At all academic levels, I home in on critical thinking and writing skills and encourage students to explore their own narratives. Having first read English and subsequently Comparative Literature, I seamlessly transfer an extensive knowledge of textual information and literary theory over to the secondary school and degree-level tuition. All of my previous IB students have scored 7 in English (HL), where I successfully assisted them with diverse topics, such as colonialism and identity in Kayo Chingonyi’s poetry, the intersection of music and politics in Bob Marley’s music, or the exploration of melancholia and the feminine identity in Sylvia Plath and Virginia Woolf particularly through the lens of Julia Kristeva’s theories.

*** English as a Second Language and IELTS
In the past ten years, I have successfully assisted a diverse array of students in achieving English language qualifications, particularly the IELTS. As well as secondary school students, I regularly work with adult learners and professionals seeking to improve their conversational or business English skills. Structuring lesson plans according to individual objectives, I integrate vocabulary and grammar into lively conversational practices, such as role-play exercises tailored to personal interests.

Being bilingual in Turkish and English, I bring a unique perspective to my teaching, especially beneficial for Turkish speakers mastering English. My experience in translating between the two languages enhances my ability to explain complex grammatical structures and phonetics in an accessible way. This insight is invaluable in helping students overcome common linguistic hurdles, making their learning journey not just more effective but also genuinely engaging.

*** Academic Mentorship & Tutoring for UHNW Families
Since 2021, I have worked as a governess with several UHNW families and facilitated tailored support for siblings at varying academic levels. During these roles, I oversee all academic progress whilst liaising with schoolteachers and other tutors to ensure students receive the best support. While I specialise in English, my strong academic background enables me to successfully provide support in A-Level Art History and Philosophy, along with tutoring for university entrance exams such as the LNAT and ELAT. Furthermore, I am adept at assisting with UCAS applications and assisting with personal statements.

My approach is characterised by discretion and a commitment to excellence, consistently meeting high expectations. This includes impeccable presentability, strict punctuality, and unparalleled flexibility in scheduling - qualities crucial for adapting to the dynamic and demanding lifestyles of my clients. Whether it’s providing last-minute academic support or adjusting lesson times to suit busy schedules, I ensure a level of service that surpasses conventional tutoring.

My extensive experience across all academic levels has allowed me to form enduring relationships with my clients, guiding numerous students through the entirety of the school system. In the recent past, I have supported three siblings, managing the broad curriculum for the younger children in Key Stages 1 and 2 while offering A-Level English and Art History tuition to the eldest. This comprehensive support extended to LNAT preparation, UCAS guidance, and personal statement refinement, reflecting my holistic approach to academic mentorship.

Since 2023, I’ve been intensively working with a Year 4 student every weekday, covering all core subjects alongside drama exams and art assignments, with a focus on 11+ preparation and school admissions support. My role encompasses the meticulous tracking of academic progress and collaboration with schoolteachers, ensuring that my students are optimally positioned for success in both school and university applications.

Tutoring Approach

Due to the nature of my voluntary work and previous teaching roles at schools, I have been through extensive child safety training programmes and my DBS is updated each year. As an active tutor over the past decade, I have engaged with students diagnosed with autism, dyslexia, or ADHD, who required specific teaching methods suitable to their learning. I regularly revise and refine my knowledge on how to assist special needs students and have been able to successfully help previous tutees improve their grades in a short period of time.

Throughout my academic experience, I have been extremely fortunate to meet educators who cared for my learning as much as my parents. Their guidance and pastoral support have had significant effects on my motivation while growing up and even after I took tutoring as a professional career. Owing to their contribution, I value the importance of quality education and the impact it makes at any level. Therefore, I endeavour to mirror their inspiration while working with my students.