Niamh

I`m an Oxford graduate and writer. I`ve just received my Master`s degree in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia. For my first degree I studied English Language and Literature at Oriel College, Oxford, before working for a non-profit organisation which focused on providing mock "Oxbridge" interviews and other preparation for university. Alongside tutoring, I`ve spent time working as Assistant Manager in a chocolate shop, as a barista, in international shipping, and as a charity fundraiser!

I have nearly four years` experience as a private tutor, and my approach to tutoring is conscientious, focused, and personal. I strive to create an atmosphere which encourages intellectual curiosity I feel a good tutorial should be a space to work through ideas and ask questions, rather than present a polished answer. I will always encourage my students to think beyond their syllabus, and try to develop more complex ideas about (and understandings of) the material at hand.

Whether it`s creating revision plans, working through essay questions, interrogating set texts or structuring approaches to reading, creating a programme of tuition that best supports and challenges each student individually is crucial, and has helped me help my students to better their grades, and really enjoy their learning.

I`ve worked with students from a real variety of backgrounds, and something that always stands out is that a frequent character trait of high-achieving young people is perfectionism consequently I think it is essential to give constructive praise alongside constructive criticism. By this I mean asking the student to examine exactly how they have succeeded in certain ways, and to frequently isolate their unique skills, as well as looking at areas that need improvement. This way they build a "toolbox" of strengths which they can apply to new problems with confidence.

Availability: I offer online tutorials, which allows for flexibility in scheduling tutorials at mutually convenient times. For in-person tutoring please message me to arrange.

Willing to travel: 2 miles

Experience: I have nearly four years` experience as a private tutor, mainly focusing on English Literature AS and A Level my most recent student just achieved an A* in her English Literature A Level.

I have also personally conducted over 60 hours of rigorous academic practice “Oxbridge” interviews for high-achieving sixth-formers these 1hr long interviews either drew from the students’ personal statements, work they had submitted, or were subject-specific English interviews working from a previously unseen text.

I worked with top UK independent schools and educational charities to organise these mock interviews as part of their Oxbridge application process for their sixth-formers.

I also created academic workshops aimed at tackling problem solving skills and the Oxbridge application process, specifically helping students identify and practice the qualities that would help elevate them to become stand-out candidates.