Expert Tutoring in English and Entrance Exams - Improve Your Marks! 11+, ISEB, CAT4, UKiset, KS2, KS3, GCSE, A-Level, EAL/ESL & IELTS

Find out more about Izzie

• 1) When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and private tutoring?

  I started tutoring when I was studying for my A-levels. As a straight A* (equivalent to all 8-9s) student at GCSE, I had a range of subjects in my repertoire. I continued tutoring while at university, in which I gained a first-class degree in English (Literature and Language).
  
  After graduating, I worked in China teaching English as a second language. I then moved to Kent to take up a role at UCL in London and pivoted to tutoring 11+, which suits my broad knowledge. I have successfully tutored students aiming for full marks to attend the most competitive grammar (and private schools) and for students needing specific subject instruction to pass.

• 2) Tell us more about the subject you teach and the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I tutor English from KS2 to the undergraduate level, covering reading fluency, literary analysis, comprehension, essay writing, revision strategies, and exam preparation.
  
  I prepare students for 11+ exams. I enjoy teaching children to analyse texts and think critically. I also like the 'puzzle' aspect of verbal and non-verbal reasoning. My favourite questions are 'word ladders', where you need to determine which letter(s) to change to create a new word.

• 3) Did you have any role models or a teacher who inspired you?

  Working in a university means being surrounded by some of the world's most fascinating thinkers. They inspire me daily and mean I can use leading and novel educational insights in my lessons.

• 4) What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  A great tutor is encouraging and patient and tailors lessons to each student's needs. It's essential to make learning fun and engaging, provide structured feedback and the opportunity to build this feedback into future work. You must also stay on top of the curriculum and educational trends - which is much easier if you love what you do.

• 5) Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  I remember taking verbal and non-verbal reasoning tests in school. I scored highly by practising lots and lots of questions and past papers. See these questions as fun puzzles to solve, and you'll be more willing to sit down and work!

• 6) What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or are still facing in your subject?

  Every student is unique in their base knowledge and learning style. It can be challenging to adapt my approach to teaching, and I don't always get the point across the first time. But that's also one of the best parts of tutoring, as it means I have to think creatively to build and consolidate their understanding.

• 7) Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general, an element of the subject, or something completely different?

  I like tutoring because I'm interested in academia and get energised from being around independent thinkers at every level. It's also hugely rewarding to know you play a small part in someone's hard work and success.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions)?

  With over a decade of tutoring expertise from early education to university level and a first-class English degree, I provide high-quality, personalised and successful instruction. My academic experience and tailored approach ensure that every student receives the support they need to excel.