Sharlene

Experience

• Primary English and Maths (Key Stages 1 & 2)

• 7+ English & Maths and prep school entrance exams

• 8+ English & Maths and prep school entrance exams

• 11+ English & Maths and public school entrance exams

I qualified as a primary teacher in the summer of 2012 and have been teaching ages 5 - 11 ever since. As a tutor, I have worked with boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 11 for a range of reasons: 7 - 11+, general academic attainment, homework support and KS2 SATs boosting.

I have helped students gain entrance to a variety of schools (Harrodian, St, Paul's, Latymer, St. Benedicts and more).

One student I was supporting was assessed to be 24 months ahead of his actual age academically and went on to be very successful after his 7+.

More recently, I worked with a Year 4 boy who needed help with his creative writing. The impact was seen after only 3 months and he also went on to be successful with his 11+ entrance.

Biography

I grew up in a lovely area, just off the Portobello Road, West London. I attended a very cute little primary school, where I was able to flourish academically and creatively. I took part in many sports, such as athletics, cricket and football, and enjoyed the challenge of competitive sport. My secondary education was less successful than primary, leaving me in an interesting position aged 16. I vowed to never let the experience define me and went on to become very determined and diligent. Later on, I found myself working 3 jobs - a hairstylist, the local Pizza Hut and babysitting - in order to save the money for university tuition. In September 2008, I began studying at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, and recently returned to complete my MA in education. I am currently working as an Assistant Head and Year 6 teacher at a lovely school in Ealing. I am passionate about innovation and changes in education, and work hard to implement change wherever possible.

Personal Approach

I prefer a personalised approach towards education, which means student-centered and responding to each individual learner’s unique needs, strengths, and weaknesses. Each student needs to be taught based on what he or she knows and how he or she learns best. Through individualised and personal instruction, learning should be tailored to the student. It is imperative to find a teaching style that fits a student's personality. An effective teacher is a passionate teacher who is confident in what they’re doing!

What I do when I am not tutoring

I am thoroughly enjoying my current role as I was appointed in this position shortly before the pandemic of Covid-19. This academic year has been a chance to have a real impact on the whole school in areas such as reading for pleasure, which is a passion of mine. When I am not at work, I enjoy travelling to new destinations, quality time with family, reading a good book and the sounds of live music.

Testimonials

'Shar helped our son to gain such confidence with his writing by giving him great reasons to write. He went from being a reluctant writer, who did not enjoy being faced with long writing tasks, to a confident and elaborate author. Her warm nature and patience approach allowed our son to see his true potential. One of our most tresured memories will be the day he wrote a speech and delivered it to us with the utmost conviction in the garden. Thank you, Shar for your hard work and dedication.' (Parent of student)