Mina

Experience

• 11+ English: ISEB and public school entrance exams and pre-tests

• 13+ English & History: ISEB and public school entrance exams

• GCSE/IGCSE English: AQA, CIE, Edexcel and OCR

• A-level/IB English Literature: AQA, CIE, Edexcel, IB, OCR and WJEC

I have been teaching in both a professional and informal capacity since sixth form, when I first worked as an assistant History teacher to Year 9 students. Since then, I have gained experience tutoring a wide range of students and subjects, since first beginning work as a professional tutor. As of July 2018, I have taught A-Level English Language, English as a second language, 7+, 8+, 11+ and 13+ English students. These students represent a range of ages from seven to full adulthood, and a range of subjects and requirements that demonstrate my own flexibility and wide academic range.

Though I was educated in the United States until university, I have made a point to familiarise myself with the British system of education, and continue to research deeply so that I can provide the most complete support to my students. In turn, the combination of a top American secondary education and my undergraduate and graduate study at the University of Oxford have imbued me with a variety of pedagogical methods. I have built close relationships with my past and current students, and have enjoyed watching them thrive as they grow to discover their individual ways into the subject.

Biography

I am a creative and experienced English tutor, with first-class BA and MSt degrees from the University of Oxford. I draw on a strong academic record in my teaching, combining this with a personalised approach to my students. As I am dedicated to a tailored system of teaching, I emphasise communication between student, tutor, and parents, and commit to the regular provision of written reports and a detailed approach to lesson planning.

Personal Approach

My work is more than a subject to me - it is the basis of my greatest passion, and I take immense pleasure in rediscovering that passion in my students. My lessons will always prioritise the fun and engagement felt by the student. I prioritise the importance of individual perspective, and am proud to say that students have developed academically and even returned to me after years away, having found that they can both progress and blossom in collaboration with my tutoring.

What I do when I am not tutoring

The flexibility of this tutoring work allows me to pursue my complementary interest in writing. I am often at the BFI watching old and foreign films and taking long walks on small errands.

Testimonials

"My Keystone tutor, Mina, is better than excellent; she is really a great teacher. She has helped me a lot with my English reading, grammar, writing, and analysing language and organisational features. If I hadn't had this tutor, I would not have passed my English language tests. She is always polite and kind, and all the time, she encourages me. She always tells me, 'You can do it!' I want to thank Keystone so much for making this tutor available to me."

'Mina made an important difference to my daughter's confidence and final results and we appreciated her individualised approach to teaching.' (Ana, mother of A level student)

'Thank you so much for your amazing work squeezing her into the 11+ straightjacket - [my daughter] would much rather be taught by you and ditch the dullness of daily school completely!' (Bron, mother of successful 11+ applicant to Channing)

'I wanted to let you know that I received 84 for the essay [we worked on]. I wanted to thank you for your help and for helping me improve.' (King's College London international student, BA)