Hilary

Hello I am Hilary, I am an experienced English language and literature tutor living in Worthing. I have worked as specialist 1:1 study skills tutor for undergraduates in Brighton and as a support tutor for high school students in Yr9 upwards including those students with a ASD or ADHD diagnosis or social and mental health issues. I have a great enthusiasm to help young people engage in learning and reach their full potential. Working in local schools and colleges has given me the opportunity to work frequently with students with an IEP (individual Education Plan) and an EHCP ( Education health care plan.) I have three adult sons with degrees and enjoy teaching, walking in the countryside, reading and photography. Now my sons are independent I would like the opportunity to reach more students and help them become enthusiastic about learning. I love what I do and hope to encourage, engage or re engage students so that they can go forward and succeed.

Tutoring Experience

I have many years experience helping students prepare for their GCSE /IGCSE English language and English literature exams starting in Yr10 and then moving into Yr11. Students often struggle with the literature component of the exams and my knowledge and experience can help them access the poetry Anthology, poems or work on the unseen poems component of the exam as well. Sometimes students also struggle with the Shakespeare element of the GCSE syllabus and I can simplify this and encourage engagement with this. or other set books such as An Inspector Calls, Of Mice and Men, and the Whale Rider to give examples. Transactional writing will be part of the language IGCSE paper and I can give the student ample time to practice this and helping them to get exam ready by practicing the different types of writing that will be expected.

Tutoring Approach

My teaching approach is enthusiastic and friendly. Students can find the Y10 and Y11 English language and literature syllabus quite challenging and often become demotivated especially with the Shakespeare and poetry elements of the course, this can cause them to get stressed and that can lead to them falling behind. I take each element of the course and give lots of opportunity for practicing the most difficult elements. Students often struggle with Poetry in the Anthology or unseen poems, this is not uncommon. I have a calm organised approach and a character that easily engages with young people. I am able to get them back on track if necessary. It's all about moving forward and helping students to feel part of the learning experience and not just sitting there and being taught or talked to. It's all about bringing the language or literature to life and reengaging the student's interest. I have a wide range of resources that I use to making the lessons very accessible and interesting.