Robbie

Experience

- English as a foreign language from Beginner to Advanced level

- 11+ English ISEB and public school entrance exams

- (I)GCSE English Language: Edexcel, AQA

- (I)GCSE English Literature: Edexcel, AQA

- A-Level English Literature: AQA

I completed a TEFL qualification from the Oxford International School in 2014. During the course, I taught classes of varying abilities. I taught one to one and in larger groups. I taught during my degree and have continued since, to students from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities. I have taught extensively for GCSE especially. In my two years of tutoring, I have had consistently excellent feedback and regularly helped students exceed their targets.

I have prepared students for school entrance exams to some of the top schools in the country, including: Tonbridge, Eton, Harrow, St. Paul's, and Charterhouse.

Biography

I was born in Oxford and attended The Cherwell School, where I completed A-Levels in English (A), Theatre Studies (A) and History (B). I achieved a first class degree in Writing, Directing and Performance from the University of York and I also hold a Level 5 Certificate from Trinity College London in teaching English as a second language.

I have a track record of providing high quality tuition in English at Primary, Eleven Plus, GCSE, A-Level and as a foreign language. I am hard working, an excellent communicator and passionate about English.

Personal Approach

I think it is vital to be able to tailor each set of lessons to the needs of the individual student. Everybody learns in a variety of ways and, as such, I am always on the look out for new techniques and ideas to help me in my teaching.

That said, I am always committed to helping students develop their confidence as I believe that if someone is to work successfully they need to firmly believe in their capacity to improve. I like to encourage a relaxed but focused working environment with a friendly and engaging style.

What I do when I am not tutoring

When I am not tutoring, I spend a lot of my time editing scripts and working with playwrights. I work as a reader for Finborough Theatre in London, writing reports and giving feedback to emerging writers. I love the theatre and spend a lot of my time in the evenings going to see shows all over London.

I am obsessed with sport and, in particular, football. At weekends I regularly go and see my beloved Portsmouth and I play five-a-side during the week. I also firmly believe that there is simply no better way of spending your summer than watching test cricket.

Testimonials

"Robbie was brilliant for my son - they really got on and he was a great teacher. My son was offered a place at his top choice school. In this world of competitive school entrance exams and the proliferation of providers of extra support, as a working parent with not that much time, I have been simply delighted and relieved to have found a quality outfit such as Keystone." (Mother of a 13+ student)

"My daughter finds Robbie to be an approachable and personable tutor. He is always very punctual and accommodating in terms of her learning, by this I mean sometimes they may do English Literature and other times focus on the Language part. He is very flexible and can do this on the day. My daughter says that he explains things in a way which is clear to understand and that she enjoys her sessions with him. He is very encouraging (and hopefully bringing out the best in her). This is lovely to hear, as she doesn't normally enjoy English lessons!" (Mother of GCSE English student)

“The lessons have been a huge success. My daughter is very happy. Robbie is very nice to deal with and think he understands what she needs help with.” (Mother of 11+ student)

“Robbie is great and has managed to establish quickly where we need more work and he also has a good understanding of the urgency.” (Mother of 10+ student)

''Robbie has been first class… I'm really impressed. Great professionalism, very friendly attitude, excellent teaching style and great rapport with my son who is now very engaged with the subject (something which I was not sure would work!). Absolutely great and would recommend very highly.'' (Father of GCSE English student)

''I can fully recommend Robbie. He is really encouraging my son to succeed and is giving him the confidence he needs. He is reliable and always on time.'' (Mother of GCSE English student)