Sarah

Tutoring Experience

I have experience tutoring History and Geography at GCSE/IGCSE and A-Level, with students achieving an average of two grades above their predicted grades. This was achieved by collaborating with the students to refine their exam techniques and consolidate their classwork. I also reviewed, marked, and provided detailed feedback on practice essays and exam questions, aiding in the enhancement of their writing and analytical skills.

I worked with Primary school students preparing for their standardized exams and tailored lessons to fit their individual learning styles, allowing them to excel in their assessments. For 3 years, I volunteered at a local Primary School, leading and delivering French and Arabic lessons during after-school clubs. This experience enabled me to effectively teach young children words and conversational sentences in both languages.

While pursuing my studies at Oxford, I frequently collaborated with the institution's outreach team to assist prospective students with their applications. This provided me with valuable training and hands-on experience in guiding students with their personal statements. Additionally, I have tutored individuals preparing for the History Aptitude Test, offering insights and practicing the skills necessary for the assessment.

Tutoring Approach

I believe in tailoring teaching methods in accordance to learning styles and needs of students. I will work alongside the student to identify what teaching methods would best for them and create a tutoring framework specific to them.

When tutoring GCSE and A Level subjects, I will firstly review the exam board content and prepare material to be used ahead of the tutoring session for the specific exam board. With History and English tutoring sessions, I will firstly go over any content which needs consolidation or clarification. I will be practising and consolidating various skills needed for the subject by looking at sources and set texts from an analytical angle. I will encourage students to think creatively and critically when looking at primary sources and materials, which is essential for succeeding in exams. Closer to the exam season, I would also consider different revision techniques and various methods of creating revision material and figure out the most efficient methods of revision for each student. Exam practice is also of paramount importance, where timing, exam techniques, and skills will all be considered. I will be marking practice questions according to mark schemes and provide highly detailed feedback, as well as example responses.

For Geography GCSE and A Level, a similar approach of tailoring teaching methods and consolidating content will be undertaken. The specific set of quantitative and qualitative skills required will be practised and perfected through practise exam questions and encouraging critical and creative thinking. I will aid students to create useful revision content and also mark practice questions, providing detailed and helpful feedback and also provide example answers.

Through my previous experience, I have an advanced understanding of what is required within a personal statement. I will walk students through techniques to write a good personal statement and encourage them to explore their interests and think innovatively as well as aid them to consider historical approaches and sources from various angles. These skills are crucial when writing personal statements and when taking the History Aptitude Test.

Overall, I endeavour to collaborate with all students to aid them to achieve their full potential, whilst building up their confidence and perhaps transfering my love for these subjects onto them!