Amy

Experience

• 7+ English & Maths: public school entrance exams

• 8+ English and Maths: public school entrance exams

• 11+ English and Maths: ISEB and public school exams, including pre-tests

• 13+ English: ISEB and public school exams, including pre-tests

I have worked in London schools for the past seven years, supporting children of many ages, abilities and backgrounds. Working across the primary year groups has allowed me to understand each stage of social, emotional and intellectual development and the range of opportunities for growth and challenge. For the past three years, I have also offered private after school tuition preparing students for the 11+ examinations to schools including Wimbledon High, Putney High, LEH, Marlborough and King’s College. I have prepared 7/8+ pupils for schools including St. Paul’s, King’s College, Hampton and Westminster Cathedral Choir school. My clients were very pleased to see the growth in confidence and improvement in academics in their children.

Biography

I was born in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia, Canada where I graduated from secondary school with honours. In addition to academics, I pursued performing arts and completed major dance examinations in the Royal Academy of Dance, ISTD and Cecchetti syllabi. Through my academics and dance I have learned that focus, commitment, dedication, and long hours of work are often necessary to accomplish goals in life. Also a keen writer, at the age of 17 I had my work published in an anthology of young poets from across the province.

After falling under the spell of the great British writers in secondary school, I decided to pursue a major in English Literature at the University of Victoria. I completed my Bachelor’s degree, with Distinction, in 2006. Upon graduation, I pursued my passion for performance and accepted a place at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. After graduating from the Acting Conservatory Program on scholarship I worked professionally in New York in theatre and independent film.

In 2012, I moved to London to be with my (now) husband and shifted my focus to teaching: providing educational support to children in primary schools and through private tutoring. With this work, I felt re-energised and found a deep sense of satisfaction in teaching. I realized that I could utilize my academic background and creative skills to develop a stimulating and enriching learning environment for students.

Personal Approach

I seek to foster a safe learning environment where students are encouraged to question, explore, use reasoning skills and approach tasks creatively. I strive to develop an atmosphere of active participation and strong student engagement, building good relationships in order to get the best out of my students. I believe the tutor must always leave space for the child to independently grapple with questions or ideas at hand, while scaffolding assistance, rather than feeding the student information. My sessions will be focused and interconnected with the overarching learning objective, but students will also be learning to organise information, improve learning habits and study skills, and, of course, have moments of levity as they enjoy the learning process!

What I do when I am not tutoring

I am a regular theatre go-er and can frequently be found watching West End musicals and plays as well as ballets at the Royal Opera House and Sadlers Wells. While most people run away from 40 degree heat, I enjoy the challenge of hot yoga and can be found in the studio most weekends.

Testimonials

“He got in to St. Paul’s and King’s! Thank you Amy.”

-Mother of an 8+ client

“We think you have helped them a lot and we feel they have learnt more from you than any of their previous English teachers.”

-Father of Year 6 and Year 8 clients

''You are the best tutor we've ever had Amy. You are professional, organised and you care. Thank you for everything.''

-Mother of a year 6 client

''Amy has made a substantial difference with regards the academic improvements of my son, not only over the period she supported him but also going forward, paving the way for any future academic development. She is extremely competent, reliable, resilient, loving and caring professional.''

-Father of a Year 5 client

''We think you have hit the nail on the head with regard to what the girls need to work on, and we agree with your plan of action. It is so encouraging to hear the girls are making good progress as a result of the effort you are putting in and inspiring them to learn and grow!''

-Father of 13+ and 10+ clients

''Amy is very engaging and brilliant at managing the pace of the class to cover all areas of her lesson plan. I really like the way she pushes my daughter in a very encouraging way.''

-Mother of a 7+ client

''My daughter told me that you are the best teacher ever. She finds you very kind and encouraging.''

-Mother of a Year 4 client

''Thank you very much for all your work with the girls. I am very grateful for your lovely manner, commitment to their improvement and carefully thought out lessons. And your willingness to do that little bit extra. All noted and appreciated.''

-Mother of Year 5 and Year 3 clients

''Thank you Amy. Totally happy, it's your drive and input that's making the difference.''

-Mother of Year 2 client

“It was hard but still fun, because challenge is fun. I really enjoyed Amy’s class, she is very kind and nice even from the first class. I wish she could be my school teacher.”

-Year 2 client