Helen

Helen has taught English and Maths up to 11+ since 2011 and also has experience preparing students for 13+. She has a patient and positive approach to teaching which helps her students to engage and find enjoyment in their learning.

Helen teaches: Primary (Year 1 - 6) English, Primary (Year 1 - 6) Maths, 7+ English, 7+ Maths, 8+ English, 8+ Maths, 11+ English, 11+ Maths, 13+ English, 13+ Maths, Special Educational Needs

''Helen is a real educationalist, keen to adapt her approach to the needs of the child. She is fun, friendly and fair and we were very grateful - thank you, Helen!”

Mother of 11+ student

About Helen:

Experience
Biography
Approach to Tutoring
When not tutoring

Experience

• Primary English and Maths (KS1 and 2)

• 7+ English and Maths

• 8+ English and Maths

• 11+ English and Maths

• 13+ English and Maths

I have worked as a classroom based teacher since 2011. I have taught across all of the primary age groups from nursery to year 6. I began tutoring in 2015 while I was doing my MA and have worked with children studying for 4+, 7+, 9+, 11+ and 13+ since.

I have helped students to gain places at independent schools including Dulwich College, Alleyns, JAGS, Francis Holland, City of London School for Girls, Grammar schools including Latymer School and Henrietta Barnett.

Alongside teaching in schools and tutoring for entrance exam preparation, I have worked extensively with children with dyslexia and students with a variety of educational needs.

Biography

I was born in Ireland where I lived until graduating from Trinity College Dublin with a Bachelor of Education in 2011. I spent two years teaching in Abu Dhabi before moving to London in 2015 to further my career. I continued teaching part-time while I completed my MA in Applied Theatre at Goldsmiths University. Since then I have been working in schools, tutoring and working in the theatre.

Approach to Tutoring

I like to bring my love of theatre and play to my lessons, incorporating games and challenges and making learning as fun as possible. I am approachable, friendly and energetic in my approach to learning. In my lesson I apply different teaching strategies depending on each individual child’s needs, I believe that every student is unique and has the ability to succeed.

My main aim to make lessons enjoyable for my students as well as highly productive. I understand the pressure children are under when preparing for entrance exams so I aim is to create engaging lessons that will support and develop my student's understanding of the topic and, most importantly, enhance their love of learning.

When not tutoring

I currently work as a tutor full-time and intend to for the foreseeable future. When I am not tutoring I enjoy spending my free time performing comedy and storytelling. I am part of an improvised comedy group and I regularly perform at improvised comedy nights across London.

I host a storytelling podcast called ''Second Hand Stories''. I am also a mum to a little boy, so he keeps me busy!

What clients say about Helen:

''The best thing we found about Helen’s teaching is that she gave my child lots of space and freedom to try out no matter how challenging the topics are. She played the supporting role by directing and guiding them with lots of encouragement. My child has been always strong in maths but never “loves” the subject. Helen definitely helped to open the “love” box which brings lots of fun and initiatives in the subject which will help my child to go far.''

Mother of 11+ student

“Helen is a star. Our six year old took to her new “friend” on zoom instantly thanks to Helen’s innovative and thoughtful approach and, from the first session, our daughter - somewhat anxious at Maths - was loudly singing the 3 times table to the tune of Jingle Bells! When our daughter got a place at the school of our choice and learnt there would be no more Helen she was very sad."

Mother of 11+ student

''From the first lesson Helen has been a very committed and engaging teacher for our 10-year old daughter. Though we started late in the process of preparing for 11+, within weeks Helen helped to make our daughter confident with what was expected from her in Maths and English. Helen has a very positive attitude towards learning which makes some more tedious exercises in the 11+ process less of a difficult task. Helen gave appropriate homework as well. We have to say that we felt blessed in finding her and we can highly recommend her.''

Parent of 10 year old girl

''Helen is a kind, patient and efficient tutor. Her relaxed manners were ideal for my 7 year old boy who enjoys learning in a more playful way and he felt at ease with her straight away. Helen helped him consolidate the knowledge he learnt in school. I liked her feedback after each session and her genuine interest in the progress of my son.''

Parent of 7+ student

''My son has quite mild dyslexia but we needed a fresh approach to enthuse him and encourage him to apply himself to lessons. Helen has approached the challenge with enthusiasm, energy and a ton of exciting ideas. X loves his sessions with Helen and they collaborate on fun ways to look at Maths, English, Science and other subjects. Our son is more attentive at school and is beginning to change his attitude to lessons in a positive way.''

Parent of 8 year old boy

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