Suzannah

Dedicated, experienced and passionate teacher of Religious Studies / Philosophy & Ethics for 20 years, I still get a thrill from introducing to A-Level R.S students the greatest minds and influencers in philosophy and theology, such as Plato, Kant and Aquinas.
Equally, GCSE R.S is rich with opportunities for fascinating insights and provoking ideas. I help students make sense of the syllabus and how to make the most of their written responses.

Most of it all, it gives me great personal satisfaction to help young people become confident with religious literacy and critical enquiry, and be able to construct argument-driven essays to a good academic standard.

Tutoring Experience

From most recent:
- Self-employed tutor, seeing students face to face (I currently go into schools) and online.
- Telford College (Further Education, A level) - Lecturer in Philosophy.

- Bedstone College (Independent, K33 and GCSE) - Head of Department
- Bennett Memorial School, Tunbridge Wells (GCSE and A Level) - Second in department
My specialism is the OCR A Level in Religious Studies and GCSE Christianity and Buddhism (any board).
I work with students from across the spectrum, from Oxbridge entrants to those who, understandably, find the demands of the A-Level tough. They may be experiencing overwhelm with the content, need encouragement and support with essay crafting, become demotivated by disruption at school or college, or been knocked by a disappointing exam result and are wanting to re-sit. They may be home educated and shown a passion for existential questions and the behaviour of different cultures that is well suited to Religious Studies.
I strive for the highest outcomes for all students, and direct 1:1 tuition and intervention will guarantee favourable results.

Tutoring Approach

-Tailored around each student: I find out where the gaps are in skills and knowledge. Each lesson grows organically from the last. I know the milestones and destination, but will plan according to the student's needs.
- Building relationships: I get to know my students, their motivations and barriers to learning, their interests and gifts. It's the best experience that teaching offers.
- Breaking down concepts: Understanding philosophical and religious concepts is something most of us have to work at (myself included). I find ways of bringing them to life in a way that makes them sticky. We check they have 'stuck' before moving on.
- Progression: Through careful assessment combined with excellent knowledge of the exam board (supplemented by CPD training), I diagnose what's going right for the student and which steps are required for improvement. For many students, this begins with grasping the demands and scope of the question, and having the confidence to put forward an argument.
- Integrity: Professional, conscientious, reliable. I care about my students. DBS checked.
- How I work: As little or as much as you need. We would start with a free discovery call to see if I'd be a good fit for working with you / your child.

This is what a former A Level student recently emailed me to say, "You were my inspiration and someone who believed and recognised me beyond what any one else in my life has and I will always hold you in the highest regard for the impact you've had on my life".