Steph

Experience

* Primary English and Maths (KS1 and 2)

* 11+ English and public school entrance exams, including pre-tests

* 11+ Maths and public school entrance exams, including pre-tests

* 8+ English and prep school entrance exams

* 8+ Maths and prep school entrance exams

* 7+ English and prep school entrance exams

* 7+ Maths and prep school entrance exams

I also have experience with tutoring online for students primarily in Singapore and Hong Kong as well as a range of other countries.

My students have previously gained entry to the following schools:

Eton College

Westminster School

City of London School for Girls

Wycombe Abbey

Benenden

North London Collegiate School

St Swithun's School

Cheltenham Ladies College

Dulwich College

Francis Holland

I have previously taught as a primary school teacher working in both Year 5 and 6 and helping to prepare children for the eleven plus exams. I have also more recently worked in Year 2 and 3 helping to support and extend children who were in the seven plus and eight plus age group. Therefore I have an excellent grounding working with the syllabus required for both the eleven plus and the seven plus and have experienced first- hand what the schools require from the children sitting these types of exams.

In terms of pre-tests, I recommend building up a thorough knowledge of the 11+ Maths and English syllabus and focusing as much as possible on comprehension, grammar and cloze procedure, mental arithmetic and word problems. I use a variety of activities to target the time pressured nature of the tests and problem solving.

I also have a lot of experience working with children in international schools and from the international curriculum. I use the interactive whiteboard platform for pupils in Singapore and across the world to teach tailored lessons for a wide range of pupils.

Biography

I moved to London at ten years old to attend St. James Independent School for Girls based in South West London. Amongst a diverse background of extra-curricular activities, I went on to study English Literature, History and Music at A-level. I developed a real love of studying English throughout my time at school which led me to apply for a Bachelor’s degree in this subject at Royal Holloway University of London. Having a truly inspiring professor during my time at university led me to apply for the Shakespeare Masters course and I thoroughly enjoyed having the chance to go into greater depth and analysis of the infinitely complex works of William Shakespeare! I also took part in a variety of theatrical productions whilst living on campus and enjoyed the challenge of interpreting classic texts in new and unusual ways.

In 2012 I finished a P.G.C.E qualification from Roehampton University and immediately started teaching in a primary school in Putney. Whilst studying I spent a lot of time researching child psychology and how best to help different children learn. I found this a fascinating subject and love the challenge of understanding the needs of all the different children in my classroom to know how best they learn.

My blog posts

16/03/2022: A Guide to Starting Primary School

Personal Approach

Having worked as a school teacher across a variety of ages in the past I have had experience with a huge range of different abilities and needs. I also have my own two children and know first hand how different each child can be. I love the challenge of finding and understanding exactly how each child works and have a vast bank of tutoring resources and teaching aids to help each individual learn to the best of their ability. I consider myself patient and creative and always focus on helping each child build up their confidence and enjoyment in learning throughout my sessions.

What I do when I am not tutoring

Away from my work in school I have lots of enthusiasm for trying out different sporting activities. I took an in depth 18 month yoga course whilst training for my P.G.C.E. and love to do yoga classes and practice wherever I have the available space (literally and figuratively). I also love to spend time outdoors walking and rock-climbing. Recently I have started attending a circus arts course which has been an interesting challenge!

Testimonials

"I just wanted to drop you a note to let you know that in the post today we received an offer for my daughter to take up a place at Queenswood School in September for Year 7. And to top that, she scored so highly in the 11+ exam, she was awarded a Year 7 Academic Scholarship. We are absolutely delighted and thrilled as this was always our target though the Scholarship is a wonderful and unexpected surprise! I just wanted to formally record my sincerest thanks for all Steph has done. When we first came to you, my daughter’s Maths was in good shape but her English ability was much weaker and unsupported at school, causing us some concern as we realised she was a long way from being 'exam ready'. Without Steph, I don't actually know where we would be or how we would have resolved this. She has absolutely transformed my daughter’s English skills. Steph gave her a framework and a range of practical techniques to follow when she was in the exam, has encouraged her to read more in the last few months than she has done through her whole time in Juniors, has offered rigour and professional critique in the curriculum they covered together and inspired her to really believe she could succeed. And all in one hour a week! You guys have been the best find and I am so very grateful. Sincerest thanks to you all for helping us to fulfil our ambition for our daughter - in putting her on the path for an opportunity that will shape her life." (Mother of 11+ student)

''Just to let you know that my son has got an offer from St Paul's Junior's, which we have happily accepted.'' (Mother of 8+ Student)

“My daughter was ‘full of it’ when she came off the call yesterday which was lovely. She said how she’d relaxed into it straight away and also said how amazing the online environment is. In fact she said to me she got more out of an hour with you yesterday than weeks with our local tutor or at school. Thank you!” (Mother of Year 5 Student)

“I just wanted to let you know that my daughter performed very well in her entrance exams and was made an offer by all three schools she applied to! We were so pleased with the results and a little overwhelmed by her options! After careful consideration, she has chosen to accept her offer from Cheltenham Ladies College and she will begin in September as planned.” (Mother of 11+ Student)

''Thank you Stephanie. My son has been invited for interview at Eton.'' (Parent of Eton 11+ candidate)

''My daughters have really enjoyed their online lessons with Steph. I am very encouraged by what I have seen so far.'' (Daughters preparing for 11+ and 13+ entry to UK schools from Singapore)

“This year's results are so much better - we are quite overwhelmed with how well he's done!!! I'm in no doubt that this is all down to your tutoring so thank you so much. Our son is super proud of himself and this has given him a huge confidence boost. We could not be happier.” (Mother of Year 3 Maths student in Dubai)

''I met my daughter’s teacher at parents’ evening yesterday and she said that her maths is transformed: she is confident, paying attention, volunteering answers and is moving strongly up the class in terms of performance. This is due to you – many thanks indeed. Her teacher told me that in a recent mental fluency test, she got a perfect score and came top of the class. Rose has developed an enormous appetite for mental maths: I am made at 7.00 a.m every morning to give her questions like 17x18 which she gets correct – and with astonishing speed.'' (Mother of year 4 student)

''Steph did a great job. We only needed a couple of sessions for a 7+ test that my son took and passed last week. Steph did a great job directing us on what areas to look at and giving us advice on what to practise. My son really liked her, as did I.'' (Mother of 7+ student)

''I just wanted to let you know that my son passed the Colet Court 8+ exam and has been invited back for an interview. He says Stephanie was ‘top teacher’ and really enjoyed the few lessons he had with her.'' (Mother of 8+ student)

''I met with my son's teacher this morning. She said there had recently been a significant “step change” in his English and that he had done some wonderful poems/ creative writing. I am sure that this is in no small part down to your tutoring, so thank you. He very much enjoys his lessons with you.'' (Mother of Year 4 student)

''Hi Steph, I thought you might like to know that my daughter got an academic scholarship to St Swithuns based on her exam results and interview so she did really well. I'm sure the work you did with her helped her confidence generally and cemented her knowledge, so thank you !'' (Mother of Year 6 pupil)