Michelle

After several years of working in a variety of creative roles including working in galleries and as a graphic designer, I decided to become a teacher. I felt compelled to share my experiences and insights with children and young people. I completed a PGCE in secondary Art and Design at Goldsmiths University London, where I soon found the most enjoyable part of teaching was around building relationships with the children. Seeing what children could achieve once they felt they were in a trusting situation is still a big part of my motivation to teach today. 

My teaching experience began in London after completing a BA (Hons) PGCE. I have over fifteen years’ experience as a Primary School Teacher, Secondary School Teacher and SENCO. My key focus has always been around creating access to learning through building confidence and expanding on existing strengths. In primary schools I sourced and installed literacy and phonics programmes throughout Key stages 1 and 2. Some of my happiest memories are of the performance assemblies that followed a merging of Literacy with Art. This enabled the children to write their own contemporary versions of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and create paper theatres and puppets of the characters. These experiences provided invaluable skills that I took into my role as a Workshop leader and Private Tutor at the Story Room.

Since joining the Story Room I have been amazed by the ideas and work that the children produce during workshops and one to one sessions. The fun atmosphere and unique surroundings fuel a release of imagination and storytelling.  I am a private tutor to children from year 3 all the way through to years 7, 8 and 9. I have a very natural teaching style and I have high expectations of all the children that I teach, whether they are preparing for the 11+ entrance exams or having general English booster lessons. Working with children in years 7 through to 9 has enabled insights and focus on the necessary preparation techniques for GCSE English, including analysis of texts, themes, language, characters, relationships and the historical context of the various GCSE chosen texts.  I really enjoy working at the Story Room and inspiring creativity, passing on my knowledge and developing children’s writing skills in a fun and inclusive environment. 

I have retained a focus on my artistic interests throughout my career, both in my teaching career and through self-generated opportunities to sell my own work. I have supplied a number of specialist stockists, most notably Benjamin Pollocks Toyshop in Covent Garden, famous for its paper theatres and unusual range of toys and games.  I was lucky enough one Christmas to be invited to take part in ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ Christmas themed window display. I was tasked with creating various props including – paper sledges and reindeers, magical Christmas fairies and a set of miniature fairy outfits including tiny crowns and wands for the wardrobe. A really delightful experience and wonderful to be able to observe visitors reactions to the final display!   

I tutor in:  

11 plus Entrance Exams

7 plus and 8 plus Entrance Exams

KS1, KS2, KS3 and KS4 English Booster

SATS preparation

Creative writing for all ages (one to one and group sessions)

GCSE ENGLISH

ISEB Common Entrance Exam (with a focus on independent writing) 

SEN (all ages)

GSCE ART