Sophie

I am a dedicated educational professional with over three years of classroom experience, specialising in academically rigorous subjects such as English and Religious Studies up to A-Level. I hold a BA Hons in Ethics, Philosophy and Religion, further accredited by the University of Lancaster’s academic awards, along with a PGCE.

I am recognised by my previous employers for my continued pedagogical development, creating research-informed and student-centred learning environments. It is important to me that any learning is designed accessibly, well structured and can support a range of learners’ needs. These needs and areas for improvement are to be assessed in the first session, in order to create a dedicated study plan tailored to the student. With this approach, students, no matter the subject or level, can see a clear link from their starting point to their end goal, leading to an overall improvement. I have a proven track record for helping students reach and improve upon their expected target grades at GCSE and A-Level.
Furthermore, I specialise professionally in helping students with various learning needs including SEN and SEMH, believing that supportive challenge is how students can put their best foot forward. I also have experience in ESL teaching.

Tutoring Experience

Teaching Experience:
Two years of teaching Religious Studies, Philosophy and Ethics KS3-KS5
• Key Academic Skills/Offerings: World, political and social perspectives, Intellectual discussions in a global context, critical thinking skills, practical applications of philosophy, academic writing at A-Level and university, after-study applications and university advice/mentorship.
• Religion Specialisms: Islam, Christianity and Buddhism
• Exam Boards Taught: AQA, EDEXCEL, WJEC, OCR
• These skills are applicable to other A-Level subjects such as sociology and politics, as my degree and studies make it easy for me to tutor students in these subjects also.
Three years of teaching English Language and Literature KS3-KS4
• Key Academic Skills/Offering: Linguistics (English grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, and sentence structure.); literary analysis (ability to read, interpret, and teach various literary forms like prose, poetry, and drama in accordance with AO1+ descriptors); written skills (proficiency in teaching different writing styles, from technical essays to creative narratives).
• Exam Boards Taught: AQA
Further applicable experience:
• Reading tutor for Students
• Mentoring/Intervention sessions for examination of students
• Continued professional development in the area of special educational needs including mental health.

Tutoring Approach

• Students ought to be the centre of the learning, meaning my students will always be active participants in their learning. Students will not be just sat receiving information passively they will receive guidance and motivation to apply their skills.
• Students are to be supported: it is important that a strong student-teacher relationship is developed for successful learning to occur. This means I will actively seek common interests with the student, taking care to understand what they like/dislike and what real life examples and experiences may be applicable to their learning.
• Belief in the teaching of skills that go beyond the basic concept of the subject, but lean into academic efficiency and excellence, e.g. study skills, time- and stress management, as well as organisational management.
• Research-backed pedagogical methods to be used within the teaching space, including adaptation to learners’ needs and preferences with tailored approaches and targeted work.