Abigail

Experience

- 7+/8+ Maths and English

- 11+ English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning: ISEB and public school exams, including pre-tests

- German GCSE/IGCSE (all exam boards)

- German A level/Pre-U (all exam boards)

I began my tutoring career in 2012 on my year abroad in Austria, where I worked in a secondary school as an English Language Assistant. I led classes of children aged 11 to 19 and offered after-school tuition to help students hone their skills in English as a Foreign Language. It was this experience which opened my eyes to the fruitfulness of working one-of-one with a student, and which has driven me to continue tutoring ever since. Subsequently, I have expanded my experience to support students through (I)GCSE and A level German, Maths and English at primary level, and entrance examinations up to 11+. I dedicated one year to teaching EFL online to students living in China.

From my experience working with students online and face-to-face, I have found that both means of teaching provide an excellent environment in which a student can flourish and reach their short and long-term goals. I have tutored students with an age range of 2 to adult as well as those living in the UK and overseas.

To diversify my teaching skills I have also taught in various classroom settings, for example voluntarily running German club at a primary school for 1 year. In 2014/15 I lived in Switzerland, teaching EFL at a grammar school, preparing students for Cambridge CAE and FCE examinations (with great success) and invigilating for IELTS examinations. Following this, I gained 2.5 years’ experience in Early Years Education (aged 0 to 6), allowing me to observe and nurture development at those crucial early stages of a child’s life.

Biography

I grew up in the middle of nowhere in Shropshire, where I studied Physics (A) and Spanish (A) to AS Level and German (A*), French (A) and Maths (A) to A Level. I deliberated over whether to pursue my interest in Maths or Languages, eventually deciding to read German and Russian ab initio at the University of Bristol. I received a 2,1 overall and achieved a 1st in my year abroad dissertation. As part of my studies, I spent half a year in Upper Austria and the other half in Tomsk, Siberia. It was an enriching year, which not only brought languages to life for me, but also allowed me to experience new cultures (and temperatures of -30 degrees!).

My love of living abroad continued as I lived in Switzerland for a year after graduating, then moved to Berlin for 3 years. This helped me to hone my German language skills as well as giving me insight into the education system in other European countries.

I am currently studying an MSc in Psychodynamics of Human Development at Birkbeck, University of London. This course is designed for those working with children and young people to foster an understanding of the psychological development of humans from birth to adulthood. I find the course complements my work as a tutor and enables me to understand my students' needs on a more comprehensive level.

Personal Approach

I take a holistic approach to tutoring and place great importance on the wellbeing of my students as well as their academic achievements. I find most students are capable of far more than they realise. First and foremost, I strive to increase their confidence and work with them to plan realistic but challenging goals for our lessons. My ultimate aim is to ensure each student feels assured enough to display the best and most capable version of themselves in their tuition subject.

What I do when I am not tutoring

At various points growing up I had aspirations to become a ballerina, an astronaut and a secret agent. Although I still have a way to go to reach these goals, I feel incredibly happy to have found a line of work which allows me pass on my love of learning at the same time as pursuing my own academic interests.

When I’m not tutoring you’ll find me at the library working on my dissertation or getting stuck into some Dostoevskian or Jungian thought.

Whether in a lake, pool or sea, I have always been an avid swimmer and I take any opportunity I can to jump in the water. I love to play the flute if I’m left with a few spare minutes at home.

Testimonials

"I believe the lesson went well, Abigail was very approachable and engaging. My daughter’s feedback was that Abigail really listened to her thoughts and ideas and helped her rephrase them in a better way. All positive so far!" (Mother of Year 6 student)

'Thank you so much for all your great guidance and support - it really helped X to focus on what was needed.' - Mother of A Level German student

'You were such an incredible tutor, and I am very grateful to have had the privilege of working with you.' - A Level German student