Lee

I am a friendly and highly effective teacher of English, up to GCSE and A Level.

I am particularly good with anyone who doesn`t quite "get English", like many boys who are more attracted to the facts and certainty of subjects like maths and science.
They find the subjective, more open ended aspects of English, difficult to grasp.

My `trick-based` approach is radically different and effective, my students often reporting significant breakthroughs after two to three lessons.
This is because I give them highly specific, easy -to-follow instructions on exactly what works in English language.
I support this with the psychology of why each language/structural feature works and what students need to say/write whenever they identify the given technique.

Example- Alliteration. Why is the phrase `people power` , more persuasive than `crowd power`?
Alliteration creates a sense of flow, which appeals to human psychology, thus it is a memorable and subtly persuasive technique, employed in every sphere where the written word is used.
This technique is ubiquitous. Consider how many brand names use it- from Coca-Cola to PayPal.

Availability: most evenings and weekends

Willing to travel: 10 miles

Experience: MY APPROACH:

I spend 20-30 minutes initially doing a `diagnostic` ie assessing your son or daughter`s strengths and weaknesses.

Next I plan what`s needed to maximise their potential.
Key areas I focus upon are:
1) Writers`techniques-how to easily identify and evaluate their usage in unseen pieces and how to use them powerfully in your own writing
2) Vocabulary development and how to impress as a writer, using the best possible word choices.
3) Exam techniques-how to achieve the highest grade possible- using the time like an expert.
4) Where appropriate , eg in English Literature preparation, I use effective mnemonics (memory systems) to maximise pupils` performance.

All this is achieved in the context of positive, encouraging and effective tutoring sessions.

GENERAL TEACHING EXPERIENCE:

With 24 years teaching experience, 17 of them at a successful middle school, during which I have taught most subjects, but mainly English, I consider myself a strong, versatile and able teacher.
My recent experience of supply and short term contracts in 25 secondary schools in the Worcester and West Midlands areas, has revealed my effective teaching in English, Social Studies and Humanities.
Ofsted inspectors have always rated my lessons in the good to outstanding range and classes taken by me in literacy and numeracy make above average progress in terms of their reading ages and National Curriculum levels.
My previous school had an excellent record of target setting strategies which I have participated in regularly throughout my time there. These allow focused targets to be made on an individual level which support and challenge students towards challenging learning outcomes. I believe that these are important for building and motivation.
I have the ability to plan a differentiated curriculum incorporating different teaching and learning styles.
I have a strong record for extra- curricular work and am especially keen to lead groups in Drama and Sport. These have led to students acting in West End Theatre and playing for the youth section of professional football teams - obviously these are rare, but they do show the standard I can train to and the level of commitment I am willing to put into the activities I lead.
I have a consistently professional approach to students and fellow teachers in the workplace where I have forged strong working relationships and mentored new teachers informally.


My particular strengths include:

1). Art- I work part time as a professional artist , displaying my work in galleries in Worcestershire and the West Midlands. I also work on a commission basis, producing animal and people portraits. I taught Art in all year groups while at Comberton Middle School, and have since taught it on a supply / cover basis .As a successful, practising artist I am well-equipped to maximize pupils performance.

2). Teaching Methods -I have a keen interest in accelerated learning, memory and study methods, writing a 56 page booklet (available) on Mnemonics and Their Application to Exams, Published in 1996). Consequently I use these techniques, including memory songs, multi-sensory procedures and the V.A.K model, when appropriate in lessons. I use stimulating materials, which highlight the link between education and the adult world.

DBS Check: Yes

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