Cameron

Experience

- 10+ (Public school deferred entry exams)

- 11+ (ISEB and public school entrance exams)

- 13+ (ISEB and public school entrance exams)

- i/GCSE (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, with my main areas of focus being preparation for pre-test, 11+ and common entrance exams, IGCSE's and improving English skills for students with English as a second language. I have also worked on essay technique and understanding for A-level students.

I have 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 with GCSE and A-Level students on exam preparation and technique, as well as coursework in Victorian literature amongst others.

I have worked with IGCSE and GCSE students in both English Lit and Language. I have worked with university level students on essay structure and technique. I have worked on writing creatively with children and adults

My areas of expertise include:

- Shakespeare - comprehension and performance, including the histories.

- Poetry - modern and verse including William Blake, John Donne, William Wordsworth, Christina Rossetti, Dannie Abse, Simon Armitage, Seamus Heaney, Carol Ann Duffy.

- 20th century drama including Arthur Miller, J.B. Priestley, Jez Butterworth, Caryl Churchill, Michael Frayn, Tom Stoppard, Bertolt Brecht, Sarah Kane.

Biography

I grew up in Stratford Upon Avon, with two sisters and a large number of animals, which have given me a love of text, a keen belief in all forms of equality and a soft spot for all forms of household pets. I attended Alcester Grammar School, where I got 4 A*'s, 3 A's and 3 B's at GCSE, and A's at A-level in English Lit, Psychology, Theatre Studies and an A in AS Level English Language.

I have always had a keen interest in literature, and this continued not just in my studies, but in my other activities as well. I set up my own theatre company while at university, and obtained funding for productions I co-wrote, as well as contributing our own original show as part of the Pinter Festival at Sheffield Theatres, curated by Sam West. I graduated in 2007 and immediately went to drama school, studying Acting for Stage, Screen and Radio at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Since leaving drama school, as well as acting I have run a new writing company in London. I have also worked in a number of other jobs alongside the arts, with time spent in London primary schools as a teaching assistant (mainstream and special needs settings, inc. ASD spectrum disorders) as well as working in a healthcare consultancy as a primary researcher and interviewer.

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

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

Going through current work of any kind and working on understanding the shortcomings. Then equipping the student to have the confidence and skills to improve them next time around

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

Currently, I am writing a novel about a boy who takes a group of Eastern European girls out to fish in his rowboat when it gets caught in a storm. One of the girls goes missing, and ends up being trafficked to London where she is sold to a troubled man who falls in love with her. The boy is charged by the mysterious, Romany father of the missing girl to track her down, and in doing so has some serious growing up to do along the way.

I also play guitar and piano, and love playing country, bluegrass and Americana - anything with a banjo suits me just fine. In terms of the next few years, I am currently living with my girlfriend, and see the next few years as being able to balance work and creativity so that we can make the future happen in a way that we find fulfilling, challenging and exciting for the both of us. That is the dream.

Testimonials

"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 focus ing in on the immediate need.I would happily recommend him/you to other anxious parents!" Mother of previous student.

'Cameron is a great teacher - enthusiastic, knowledgeable and creative. Our son really looks forward to his lessons and you can't ask for more than that!' (Mother of 11+ English student)

'The lessons appear to be going very well. Cameron has given my daughter clear direction and set targets for her work, which seem to be helping to keep her focused and on track. Furthermore, she has informed me that she has learned a lot during the sessions and I have noticed that her confidence has increased.' (GCSE English 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