Education:
Graduate Diploma in Vocal Studies, Royal College of Music (2014), First Class Honours in English Literature, Newcastle University (2010)
Subjects:
English Language and Literature, Creative Writing, Singing, Drama
Exam preparation:
GCSE and A-Level
Tutoring experience:
I’ve been tutoring privately since 2007, with a focus on English Literature and Language, as well as Creative Writing. I have also had some classroom teaching experience,working with A-level pupils at Bootham School in York. I have done educational work in opera and theatre, such as workshop facilitation, for companies such as Glyndebourne Youth Opera, Blackheath Halls Opera and the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain.
What makes your teaching style unique?
English Literature and Language can be intimidating because, unlike Maths or Science, it often seems like there can’t be a ‘right’ answer: a student can easily feel their personal response to a piece of text isn’t valid, or isn’t what they are ‘supposed’ to think. My job as a tutor therefore involves an element of demystifying the study of literature and language. My aim is to empower students firstly to trust themselves, and then to help them learn how to channel their responses to text in the most effective and articulate way. This empowerment allows pupils not only to improve academically, but also to engage with, and enjoy, literature and language in new and exciting ways.
With a wide range of skills from which to draw – my academic work as well as my work as an artist – I have the flexibility to personalise my approach closely to each student’s academic process. I like to discover what makes my pupils tick, and to work with them to best support their studies. I take pride in taking creative approaches to learning, often drawing on my practical knowledge and experience of literature and language ‘in the real world’, whilst always keeping a sharp eye on the appropriate curriculum.
I take great joy from empowering pupils to facilitate their own learning: helping them develop a toolkit of skills that they can rely on whether in a lesson with me, in school, or in an exam. Seeing my students go away and successfully apply their learning in other contexts is incredibly satisfying. A student proud of themselves gives me the most pride as a tutor.
What do you do apart from tutoring?
I’m a freelance writer, director and animator working in opera and theatre; I’m also the founder and Artistic Director of my own fringe company: And So Forth Productions.