Natasha

-I have been teaching since 2011.
-I studied English at a Russell Group university (BA hons 2`1).
-Before teaching, I worked in a bank for 4 years and qualified as a financial advisor.
-I also have a background in acting - I was offered a place on a Masters course at a drama school in -London and I have taken various courses, such as screen acting, Brecht, Stanislavski, TV presenting, physical theatre, Shakespeare, drama therapy, musical theatre and more. I`ve acted in numerous plays and performed for a month at the `Edinburgh Fringe Festival.`
-I have A Levels in English, Performing Arts, History and Psychology.
-I am currently learning Spanish and how to play the piano.
-I write poetry.
-I love travelling - I have visited 55 countries and lived in two (not including the UK).
-I enjoy reading, podcasts, acting, writing, walking, coffee shops, lunch with friends, cooking, the gym, psychology, petting cats and travelling.
-My favourite books/plays are `Hamlet,` `Nineteen Eighty-Four` and `The Child in Time.`

Availability: I am flexible, but afternoons and evenings preferred. I can only offer online tuition at the moment.

Monday 2-9pm, Tuesday 2-9pm, Wednesday 2-9pm, Thursday 2-9pm, Friday 2-9pm, Saturday 3-5pm

Willing to travel: 50 miles

Experience: -I am a fully qualified teacher with 12 years of classroom experience in the UK, teaching English and English Literature to students aged 11–18.
-In total, I have 14 years teaching experience - I spent two years teaching `English as a foreign language` abroad (I have a CELTA).
-I hold a BA (hons) degree in English from a Russell Group university, as well as a PGCE, QTS, CELTA, and an enhanced DBS check (registered to the update service).
-For eight years, I tutored students privately across multiple subjects and age groups - from children as young as 7, to adult learners -whilst also working full-time in a secondary school. I stepped back from private tutoring after being promoted, due to limited time, but continued to deliver one-to-one and small group support through in-school interventions and mentoring. Recently, I have started tutoring again.
-I have significant experience preparing students for OCR, AQA, Eduqas and iGCSE English & English Literature exams, and I am well-versed in a wide selection of texts across these specifications.
-Beyond English, I’ve also taught drama (all age ranges), including preparation for LAMDA exams and university/drama school auditions.
-I have worked with younger learners at primary level, covering English, reading skills, science, SATs revision, and 11+ preparation.
-In addition, I can teach English as a foreign/additional language to learners of all ages, from young children to professionals. I have successfully prepared students for Cambridge English exams at various levels and have taught international students at several universities abroad and at University of the Arts in London. Furthermore, I worked as a teaching assistant at a bilingual primary school in Spain, where I supported lessons in English, science, and art, as well as delivering small group tuition. I have also taught `Business English` to adults.
-I am experienced in supporting a wide range of learners and adapting my approach to meet individual needs. I have worked with many students requiring additional support, including those with ASD, ADHD, and dyslexia, both in the classroom and through private tuition.
-For 4 years, I was `Head of Year` in a secondary school, alongside my role as an English teacher. Being responsible for the wellbeing, progress, and discipline of a full year group allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the nuances of safeguarding, behaviour management, and pastoral care. I worked closely with families, social services, and senior leadership to ensure that the students felt safe, heard, and supported - which in turn enabled them to make consistent academic progress.
-I have mentored first year newly-qualified teachers.

My teaching philosophy is student-centred and built on the belief that students learn best when they are actively engaged. I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where they feel comfortable expressing themselves and "having a go," knowing they’ll be supported along the way. Mistakes are a natural part of learning - I don’t expect perfection, but I do expect students to try, ask questions, and reflect on setbacks so that they can learn from them.
I’m approachable and adaptable, and I adjust my teaching style to meet the needs of each learner. Every student is different, and part of my role is to respond to those differences; this might involve offering extra guidance, encouraging independence, or helping to build confidence.
My goal is to help students recognise their strengths and make steady progress through feedback, reflection, and consistent practice. Ultimately, I want every student to feel seen, heard, and supported as they work toward their potential. I believe in their ability to grow and succeed, and I see my role as helping them develop the skills, self-confidence, and mindset to do just that.