Alexa

Experience

I have been teaching in both the independent and state sectors for 15 years, both internationally and in the UK. I have experience teaching a range of abilities between the ages of 11 and 19. Having recently left South Hampstead High School in London, I am currently a full time English tutor and English examiner for the Cambridge International Examinations and Edexcel boards.

I have taught the following subjects to the following levels:

English Literature (GCSE, iGCSE, A Level, IB)

English Language (GCSE, iGCSE, A Level, IB)

Classical Civilisation (A Level)

Drama and Theatre Studies (GCSE and A Level)

I have also tutored more than 30 IB students individually for their Extended Essay.

Results:

Every student achieved a grade A or above in my last A Level class.

Out of a class of twenty, all students achieved an A* or A in both GCSE Language and Literature. In my previous school, 70% of my GCSE cohort (a mixed ability group) achieved an A or A* in English Language and Literature. All of these students spoke English as their Second Language.

Similarly, of my most recent IB class, seven out of nine students achieved a Level 6 or above (equivalent to an A grade at A level).

Biography

After achieving four grade As at A Level (in English Literature, History, Classical Civilisation and Drama and Theatre Studies) as well as 6 A*s and 6 As in my GCSEs, I went on to study English at the University of Bristol and graduated with a 2:1. I wanted to inspire my love of English in others, so I decided to qualify as an English teacher, completing my PGCE at the University of Manchester. I have been teaching students between 11 and 19 years of age for 15 years and my passion for teaching and learning has taken me around the world, as Acting Head of English and Second in Department at St. Paul's School, the British School of Sao Paulo, Brazil. I have taught KS3, GCSE, iGCSE, A Level and IB English Literature, English Language, Classical Civilisation and Drama and Theatre Studies. I am also a fluent Portuguese speaker having lived in Brazil for four years. My most recent teaching post was at South Hampstead High School, a leading girls' day school in London. I left in August 2020 to focus on my tutoring. Having amassed 15 years experience of teaching and examining English in a wide range of schools, I now tutor English and examine full time.

Personal Approach

My engaging style, academic background and high standards ensure that every pupil I teach feels confident and makes excellent progress, as well as enjoys their learning. As an experienced teacher, I know exactly how to tailor my lessons to the individual in order for them to achieve their potential. I approach each session with enthusiasm, energy and commitment. This is infectious, and one of my strengths is making learning fun and success palpable. I also believe in providing tactical approaches to improving learning and honing exam technique, and I am adept at gauging the needs of my student, being a highly flexible and intuitive teacher.

What I do when I am not tutoring

I am a children's writer as well as podcaster and editor of the series 'Super Sleuths Story Club', and I also write historical fiction in my spare time. I am an avid reader and love keeping active by running by the beach, attending Crossfit and practising yoga.

Testimonials

Alexa is a distinguished tutor. She has tutored my daughter Literature since L6 which she got a C in boarding school. Finally, she was awarded an A* in GCE A Level result. Thanks Alexa! (A Level student - online in Hong Kong)

"Alexa is fantastic and I look forward to her classes. As a teacher she is engaging and explains things very well. She ensures that I feel confident about a topic before moving on." (Year 13 Student)

Alexa is absolutely brilliant and my daughter has made definite progress in English. Alexa is thorough, professional, kind and an excellent explainer. My daughter looks very forward to her lessons and enjoys them.

The first lesson with Alexa went amazingly well! The session was really efficient and we will be continuing throughout the week. Thank you again for Alexa as she is really inspiring in terms of helping me developing many fantastic ideas (IB TOK Student)

Alexa was amazing. She is so lovely and positive and engaging. My son had a great lesson. Can’t wait for her next one! (Mother of Year 6 Student)

'We are very pleased with Alexa, she is a brilliant tutor to our son, developing his interest and performance hugely.' (Father of pre-test student)

''Alexa was amazing!!!!!

She is so lovely and positive and engaging. Joel had a great lesson. Can’t wait for her next one!!

Thank you so much for putting us in contact with her. ''

Claire (parent of Year 6 child)

''Lydia got an A* for English thanks to the blissfully wonderful Alexa. She is the most brilliant teacher – Lydia enjoyed every minute of working with her. Alexa gave her confidence and inspired her and increased her love of literature. I only hope she stays tutoring long enough to help our youngest when the time comes.''

Kate (parent of A-Level English student)

''You tutored me for IB English right before my exam in the paper two and I just wanted to tell you I got full marks in that paper! Wouldn't have been able to do it without your help so just wanted to thank you!''

Madeleine (IB English Literature student)

''I just thought I’d let you know how I got on with my English retake, I got 118 out of 120, taking me from a ‘B’ to and ‘A*’. Thank you so much, I couldn’t have done it without your help.''

Jeremy (A-Level English Literature student)

''I wanted to share the great news that Chiara received an A* for both English Literature and English Language. Thank you so much for all your help.''

Helen (parent)

''I just wanted to let you know that Maya got her results today and she got A*s in both Lang and Lit. Thanks so much for your support I know it really helped.''

Tina (parent)

'Alexa is a great teacher.'

Edward (online student in Hong Kong)

''We, and Albert, are very pleased with Alexa, she is a brilliant tutor to him, developing his interest and performance hugely.''

Tom (parent)

''Observation of her classroom practice, routine monitoring of her students’ work and more informal measures show Alexa to be a highly intelligent, naturally skilled teacher to whom students respond warmly. Students work hard for Alexa and succeed because they enjoy their learning. The passion that she brings to her subjects and to the young people in her charge are quite compelling and many colleagues across school have commented on her vibrant approach in the classroom.'' (Assistant Headteacher, Sandbach Sixth Form College)