Sorrel Camilla

As an English specialist with a love of the English language and its literature, I hope to instil in my pupils a genuine enthusiasm for the subject that will fuel their efforts to excel and make their studies memorable. I'd like my pupils, whatever age or stage they're at, to feel that they are engaged on an adventure when they study English, a journey that could take them anywhere.

The exam preparation is essential, and we focus on this with close attention. At the same time, there must be enjoyment and enrichment.

English is a multi-faceted subject, and generally progress will be gradual: I advocate fairly long-term tuition, rather than an attempt at a quick fix near the exam date.

Tutoring Experience

I've been teaching and tutoring for over 30 years, half of that time at King's School Rochester, where I worked full-time in the English department. In that time, many of my pupils made excellent progress and achieved the grades they needed for the sixth form or university (for example, Cambridge, Bangor, Warwick, St Andrew's). Although I taught primarily in the senior school (ages 13-18), I always took a younger class, and I have twelve years' experience of tutoring children from the age of 8. In particular, I've prepared children for public exams including the 11+ (English paper only), GCSE, A-Level, BMAT and IB, and I've coached for Common Entrance.

I worked for two consecutive Summer terms at Kimbolton School in Cambridgeshire, covering sabbaticals, giving final preparation for GCSE and A-Level exams. I also worked for Excel in Key Subjects, a Saturday school specialising in GCSE revision, operating from City University, London. As well as being a private tutor, I am currently working as a supply and cover teacher in local schools.

Tutoring Approach

I enjoy establishing a good rapport with pupils, and building an understanding of each person's levels and needs, so as to teach them as effectively as possible. My lessons are friendly and fairly informal, but at the same time we work hard and I encourage high standards. I want each pupil to achieve the most they can, so I keep an open mind about people's potential and give plenty of praise and appreciation. I take into account the educational and linguistic background of each person. I often use my own teaching material, created over the years, as well as making use of past papers and other material online. I want my pupils to be aware of their own progress and to enter the exam room with confidence.