English to my mind is the best subject at school but of course I am biased being both an English teacher and bookworm. It really has something for everyone; whether you like making up stories, talking about books or performing speeches about the state of the world: English is for you. However sometimes students need a little help in finding their voice in this subject and this is where I come in.
In the last 5 years, I have enjoyed working one to one and in small groups, seeking to motivate and mentor my students. Working with all abilities – from the underperforming and very unconfident to those who may be in a top set in a grammar school who are not being stretched enough – I can help. Usually, my students far exceed their predicted grade and become more assured along the way – this often encourages them to work with a greater self-assurance in other subjects. One of my parents recently described her son’s experience of English tutoring as suddenly opening a Pandora’s Box in a positive way, helping him fuel an interest for learning. I am passionate about my students’ success both at school and in the exam hall. Though I consider myself an exam specialist, I am fond of identifying bespoke strategies that work with the individual student and not solely teach to the test.
Previously I worked at Highlands School for 10 years and there ran a fast track group for GCSE and taught solely exam classes across Key stage 4 &5 for GCSE and A Level. Since leaving after having my son, I have been focused on tutoring and have also moderated coursework for AQA.
I have a degree in English Literature from Loughborough University, a PGCE from London Metropolitan and more recently a Graduate Certificate in Linguistics from Birkbeck. In my twenties, I worked in marketing, gaining experience in writing persuasive copy that has been invaluable to me as both an English teacher and tutor helping my students with both their university personal statements and writing in general.
LIST OF SUBJECTS CATHERINE TUTORS IN:
English KS3 booster/support
GCSE English Language
GCSE English Literature
Catherine can also assist with:
EPQ writing
Writing a personal statement