Mahua

I'm a Head of English with have over 20 years teaching experience and several years tutoring experience both one to one and in small groups. Prior to training as a teacher, I worked as a journalist for several years in the health and social sector.

My degree is in Media and Cultural Studies with Literature, Life and Thought from Liverpool John Moores University. After completing this degree, I studied for a PGDip in Journalism before entering the journalism profession for several years before training as a Secondary English teacher at London Metropolitan University. I am currently the Head of English in an inner - city school in London.

Tutoring Experience

I work in a highly successful comprehensive school and have extensive experience of teaching GCSE across several boards and a track record of achieving excellent results. I currently teach to the GCSE AQA board OCR A level across different ability groups - from top to lower ability. However, as a tutor I have also taught both the Welsh Board and OCR at GCSE. In order to get the best results for my students, I differentiate and extend tasks to suit the learner and it is this approach that has enabled me to get the best results for my students both as a tutor and in my school. Working in the comprehensive sector I have a clear understanding of the strategies that work for students in order to develop their skills and bridge academic gaps. In addition, I have also been an examiner for AQA and as an experienced Head of Department, I have detailed and extensive knowledge of the GCSE / A level syllabus and specification.

Tutoring Approach

I know that no two tutees are the same - therefore I consider the needs of the individual in the same way I would teach my own classes. As such I seek to establish a personal approach for each student. I take time to understand how the student best absorbs information, which topics in particular they are struggling with, and then use this information to ensure as much subject knowledge is retained as possible. As a classroom practitioner I have a wealth of resources that I use to help students - whatever their starting level.

As a practitioner I am always thinking of ways to help students retain information, especially when they find something a struggle; I take time to understand how the student best absorbs information, which topics in particular they are struggling with, and then use this information to ensure as much subject knowledge is retained as possible. I am happy to provide some extra support for work a student may want checked before submission.