Description: Private English tutor Madeline, is an Archaeology and Anthropology graduate who attended Henrietta Barnett School. Here is a snippet of her tutor profile.
I have worked in supporting young people in a variety of fields since the age of 14, when I volunteered at an inclusive theatre company to assist the engagement and understanding of children in drama.
Since then I have continued to take an interest in assisting young people in their chosen field, and have developed a teaching style in which I try to find out what makes each child ‘tick’; what their interests, strengths and weaknesses are, and how they work best in an academic context.
In gaining this understanding, it allows me as a tutor to create a positive, comfortable and supportive relationship with the student through which we can together most effectively achieve their academic goals.
One-on-one online tutoring can often feel like ‘extra school’ to some children, and my aim is to make our sessions together a space that they feel they can thrive in, rather than one they feel reluctant to participate in.
During my time at university in Oxford I volunteered for a year working one-on-one with primary school children to improve their literacy skills. This experience really revealed to me the value of such a relationship and the huge amount of difference such attention can make – not only to the student’s ability in their subject, but in their confidence as well.
Many of the students I worked closely with were learning English as a second language, and were significantly behind others in their class. The visible improvement in particular of these children in their written and spoken English was a thrill that both of us shared. I like to take time to celebrate the small achievements along way, as well as when they reach an ultimate goal, such as passing a particular exam.
I have also worked at secondary school level, working closely with 11 year old students at Henrietta Barnett School (both one-on-one and in small groups). Leading sessions on the books they were studying as well as current affairs, my focus was to develop their critical thinking skills, their fluency of understanding and above all their ability for independent learning.
I made it a priority of mine to ensure none of the students felt embarrassed to ask questions or ask for help – something which can often seem a daunting task, particularly at a high achieving school. Working with my online students my goal is to foster a similar sense of independence and confidence in celebrating what they know – and what don’t know.
Having left university with a degree in anthropology, much of my interest is focused around carrying out primary research. Having carried out my own independent research in Sierra Leone, Uganda and India, I have extensive experience in planning, organising and carrying out my own projects.
Should a student need help with any of the stages within this process, from putting together initial proposals, to writing it up, I would love to help them to fulfil their potential as primary – or secondary – researchers.
Having passed through a series of often stressful and high pressure academic milestones since doing my 11+ and right up to my finals at Oxford, I am familiar with the anxieties that can come along with wanting to succeed in academia.
Through support for students in 11+ entrance exams, GCSEs, A-Levels and university applications (whether that be personal statements or interview practice), I hope to instil a sense of self-assurance in each individual to be able to excel during a period in their school lives that can be filled with stress and anxiety.
Interested in working with Madeleine? Contact us today.