Cameron

Experience

- 10+ (Public school deferred entry exams)

- 11+ (ISEB and public school entrance exams)

- 13+ (ISEB and public school entrance exams)

- GCSE/iGCSE (All exam boards: AQA, Edexcel, OCR & WJEC)

- A-Level(All exam boards: AQA, Edexcel, OCR & WJEC)

I have tutored a number of children through Keystone. Many of my students are preparing for pre-test, 11+, and Common Entrance exams, and I am very familiar with these areas of study, both in English and maths. Many are also improving their English skills as it may be a second language.

I have worked with a large number of IGCSE, GCSE, and A-level students in both English Lit and Language. I am familiar with the different exam boards, and have a number of resources to help students with all aspects of these courses. I have worked with university-level students on essay structure and technique.

I have a real interest in supporting students with SEN or learning approaches that don't quite fit in to mainstream schooling. I have supported students from 7-18yrs with dyslexia and dyspraxia, both in subject support (English) and to help with general learning methods. I have supported students with working memory issues, again covering KS1 to A-levels. I have also worked with autistic students both one to one through tutoring, and also before I started tutoring in an autsim specialist school.

I have also worked within classroom settings for all primary school age groups. This includes working with students who are gifted and talented in order to ensure they reach their potential. It also involved helping with people who required extra input into literacy, numeracy and other subject groups.

I personally had to pass the 11+ entrance exam to get into my secondary school, so I understand how challenging the process can be; exam technique doesn't come naturally to everybody.

I have worked on writing creatively with children and adults.

Biography

I've been tutoring for the last eight years with Keystone, and this is now my fourth year as a professional tutor.

I grew up in Stratford Upon Avon, where a love of theatre is transmitted in the local water, and attended Alcester Grammar School, where I got four As at A-level in English Literature, Psychology, Theatre Studies, and English Language.

I have always had a keen interest in literature, and this continued after I graduated in 2007 and immediately went to drama school. I studied Acting for Stage, Screen and Radio at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and acted for five years before focusing on other things.

My blog posts

31/01/2022: 11 Plus Creative Writing Guide

Personal Approach

I try and get to know the strengths and weaknesses of a student first. Then we will work together on how to improve the weaknesses and consolidate the strengths. This includes:

Working on essay structures - simple formats that allow a point to be made clearly and effectively. I try and encourage classic prose - a simple and clear way of expressing opinions.

Working on creative writing - often building confidence that their story is worth telling, and the tools with which to do so.

For 11+, pre-test and Common Entrance students, I have a whole program of work that involves making sure comprehension, grammar and creative writing skills are improving. I use a wide variety of text books, past papers and learning support aids that will help students of all abilities improve their skills.

What I do when I am not tutoring

I am a dad of two - a three year old daughter and a 3 month old son. Between nappies, swings, a badly behaved lurcher, an endlessly patient partner, and a big family of a thousand nieces and nephews, my life is fairly busy. Having said that, I really enjoy reading, listening to audiobooks, playing the piano and guitar (my daughter's favourite is a fairly bluesy version of 'She'll be Coming round the Mountain'), and getting to grips with the garden.

Currently, I am trying to write as much as possible. I also have a keen interest in photography, and enjoy doing landscape and portrait work.

Testimonials

“We asked Keystone to support our daughters with two tutoring sessions per week to complement virtual schooling during the COVID-19 lockdown. Cameron and James helped enormously, building the girls’ confidence by bridging gaps in maths and strengthening their approach in English. At the girls’ request the tutoring sessions continued through a staycation summer and now, again, in parallel to a new virtual academic school year. Thank you to the Keystone team for the expertise, energy, and making learning fun.” (Parents of Year 5 and 7 students in KSA.)

"I would like to thank you very much for your great job in helping our son in this adventure. Your support has been fantastic!" (Parent of 11+ student)

‘’No questions Cameron has been a total joy. He has really put everything into coaching my son and has totally engaged him. We shall miss his weekly visits.’’ (Mother of 13+ Student)

''Cameron is a pleasure to have over to the house. He engages really well with my son and pushes him gently to work through obstacles, ensuring that he too, enjoys seeing him. A positive energy toward English!'' (Mother of previous student.)

''My son has been offered a place at City of London boys. We are obviously over the moon and he is very happy and excited. We are extremely grateful to Cameron for his hard work with my son, encouragement and support. Even if he hadn't got a place, he had gained a real sense of his strengths and a love of English. Can't recommend Cameron highly enough.'' (Mother of 11+ Applicant.)

''Cameron, I have to say, actually has changed my son's life when it comes to English and the way he approaches it. He was kind, helpful, and seriously professional. He found the best way to teach my son by really getting to know him and we have told him that he passed his common entrance. I cannot tell you enough what an amazing tutor he is.'' (Mother of 13+ Stowe applicant)

''Cameron is an absolutely genius. He has transformed my son's thinking and approach to English. Truly fantastic week with him. And my son really came on in leaps and bounds.'' (Mother of previous student)

''This report bought a tear to my eye and yet again confirms for me that Cameron is a match made in heaven for my daughter and I believe is going to help her enormously.'' (Mother of previous student)

''Big success and think Cameron may be perfect for my daughter.'' (Mother of previous student)

''My son responded well to Cameron. He has been excellent in engaging him and focusing in on the immediate need. I would happily recommend him/you to other anxious parents!'' (Mother of previous student)

''Just to let you know that **** did very well in his exams - A*'s in both English Lit and Language. Thank you for all your help!'' - Father of student