Gemma

If my career as an English teacher taught me anything, it is this: while exam syllabi and mark schemes (usually) stay the same, every student is different. That`s why my online lessons are all about them.

I always strive to ensure that my lessons focus on my student: improve THEIR skills; build THEIR confidence; work towards the goals that THEY set; present content in a way that suits THEIR learning style and interests. I have a strong track record in helping students of all levels and abilities to achieve this in school based and external exams and assessments, both as a classroom teacher and tutor.

My student is at the heart of every lesson I teach; before our first lesson on Google Meet, I will ask you to complete a short questionnaire through your personalised Google Classroom space so that I can get to know you and your goals and aspirations, in addition to any particular barriers or challenges you wish to overcome. Knowing this in advance of our first lesson means that I`ll be able to plan an effective lesson from the get-go, starting with a sense of purpose and with clear aims. After all, you don`t want to waste a minute (or a penny) when it comes to our sessions!

Personalising content to support my student in achieving their goals, and working tirelessly to boost confidence is my passion. It is a skill I have developed over the last 14+ years of classroom teaching and tutoring. I love teaching online; the range of options we have to work creatively and collaboratively when using the internet is huge, and (in my opinion) can be far more effective for engagement than teaching in person. In particular, strategies such as team writing and live marking become so much more powerful on a screen, rather than two people bending over a piece of paper, and lead to far more productive learning conversations.

I am fully up-to-date with the current specifications and marking requirements for a range of exam boards, particularly AQA at GCSE. In terms of Key Stage Three, I have developed, taught and assessed schemes of work in all areas of English study (poetry, prose, drama and non-fiction, as well as some media texts). As a Subject Lead for KS3 English (5 years), I was responsible for the design of our curriculum in response to massive National Curriculum changes; this has not only given me an acute understanding of the skills which lie at the core of Key Stage Three, but also allowed me to develop a creative approach to teaching them to allow all students to access the texts and succeed within them.

The best part of my job is helping students of all ages and abilities to meet their potential and achieve their goals. If you`d like to discuss your needs further, or are interested to know more about how I can help you to overcome your challenges and improve your English work, send me a message. I look forward to chatting to you!

Availability: Weekday evenings and Sunday mornings.
I work with students on a long term basis and once you choose a time slot, this will stay the same until your exams, unless circumstances mean you need to shift.

Time changes are subject to availability.

Willing to travel: Home Only

Experience: Teaching teenagers English has been a core part of my life for the last 20 years, and I bring all and evert part of this experience to my tutoring.

2007-2008: EFL in Rome, preparing Italian students (13-22) for professional and academic level EFL exams.

2009-2011: 1-2-1 and small group support as a teaching assistant in a UK secondary school, with a specialist focus on SEN English before completing QTS teacher training in secondary English.

2011-2014: Classroom teacher for KS3, GCSE and A-Level English Literature and Language, delivering Edexcel & AQA curriculum in a large, fully comprehensive secondary school.

2014-2019: additional promotion to subject lead for KS3 English, focusing on curriculum and skills development (with a particular focus on boys development, high ability and SEN attainment). GCSE and A-Level classes remained for AQA and Edexcel English Literature and Language.

2020-2022: return to focusing on classroom teaching (as previously) due to becoming a mum!

2022- present day: self-employed tutor for GCSE English, with a focus on AQA curriculum and an interest in supporting boys, high ability and SEN students to achieve their potential.

DBS Check: Yes