Polly

Hi, I'm Polly! I graduated from the University of Oxford in 2022 with a first-class BA in Geography. Originally from Bristol, I studied Geography, History, and Politics at A-level, achieving an A* in all three subjects. Over the past year, I've been living in Shenzhen, China, where I've been teaching English. This September, I'll be starting an MA at SOAS University of London.

Tutoring Experience

With over four years of experience, I have successfully taught students ranging from KS3 to undergraduate level in various settings, including classroom instruction, small group sessions, and one-on-one tutoring. In 2023, I had the privilege of teaching Geography to A-level students at an international school in the UK. One of my recent success stories involves tutoring a student in Geography over the course of a year, where they improved from a C/D grade to achieving an A* in their A-level exams.

I have worked as a qualified tutor for the National Tutoring Programme (NTP), which provides targeted support to students falling behind in school. This role has equipped me with strategies to address educational gaps and boost students' confidence and academic performance. Additionally, I have experience teaching students with Special Educational Needs (SEN), enabling me to adapt my methods to meet their specific requirements and help them achieve their academic goals.

I am also adept at supporting students with their applications and interviews for prestigious universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. Whether it's personal statement guidance, interview preparation, or general advice, I can assist students at any stage of their application process. My academic background includes studying Geography, Politics, and History at A-level, enabling me to help students applying for a degree in a wide range of humanities subjects.

At the degree level, my focus was on both human and physical Geography. I have guided several students through the application process for a BSc in Physical Geography, Earth Science, or Geology, as well as those pursuing degrees that emphasize human and social Geography. My comprehensive understanding of both the physical and social science sides of Geography ensures well-rounded support for my students.

Tutoring Approach

My teaching approach is tailored to the unique learning style of each student, ensuring personalized and effective instruction. I create both short-term and long-term plans based on the specific areas where the student needs improvement. Our sessions can focus on a variety of goals, including mastering content, honing exam and essay techniques, or developing effective revision strategies.

To reinforce learning, I assign questions or exercises for students to complete between sessions, allowing them to practice and apply what we've covered. In our subsequent meetings, we will review their work, discuss their approaches, and identify ways to improve. This iterative process helps students build confidence and develop a deeper understanding of the material.