David

English teachers, like all teachers, do a heroic job, but sometimes what they are able to give just isn`t enough, with the pressures of the classroom and school life in general. I aim to supply that extra attention and focus that an individual needs to make sense of it all, and which, for whatever reason, may not be available at school.

After a career teaching English in further education colleges to students on vocational and academic courses, I switched to individual tutoring and copy editing. The service I offer now to GCSE, A level and vocational course students is help improve their writing skills and their ability to understand and comment upon all kinds of texts. I can offer insights or perspectives on set literary texts and help develop skills of argument and presentation. I can also give guidance towards better handwriting, a neglected though still necessary skill in this digital age.

As a poet myself I am particularly interested in helping students in their understanding of poetry, often an area of difficulty for many.

Above all I encourage students to write with clarity, elegance and originality, helping them to avoid tired and overused expressions, and make the most of the considerable power of English.

Availability: I am able to work at most times of the week, with a preference for afternoons and early evenings.

Willing to travel: 5 miles

Experience: I have many years` experience teaching English and Communications in Further Education colleges, and have taught study skills to adult learners at the University of East London. I now focus on private tuition, but am also a professional copy editor. My preference is to work with students studying English at A level and beyond, but am happy to work with adult learners in all matters relating to English or writing skills.