Agnes
School:
St Catherines School for Girls, Townley Grammar School
A-Levels: English (A), Philosophy (A), Drama (A*)
University:
University of Manchester
English and Drama BA First Class Hons
Modern and Contemporary Literature MA Merit
Teaching / tutoring history:
Independent tutor | 2015 - Present
Recently I have worked with twin boys to prepare for their 13+ ISEB Common Pre-Test for Harrow. I tutored them in English, History, Geography and TPR. Despite both boys struggling with dyslexia, they both successfully sat the exams and gained admittance which was a significant achievement.
In the months leading up to her GCSEs, I supported Chloe, a student experiencing significant problems at school due to her ADHD and vision issues. Despite these challenges, and her being a particularly complex and difficult student to engage, I helped her navigate her coursework and exams in Textiles, English, and Food Technology. Through consistent support, she managed to pass her GCSE exams, demonstrating remarkable progress.
Oxford Educational Partnerships | 2022 - 2024
At Oxford Educational Partnerships, I have supported students with varying levels of ability. I guided a student through her English Language GCSE resit, helping her master the different writing styles necessary to achieve the Grade 6 she ultimately earned. I have provided targeted support to students who wish to enhance their analytical and essay writing skills, as well as guiding high-achieving students to refine their skills and push towards that coveted grade 9 in their exams. Notably, I homeschooled a GCSE student throughout Years 10 and 11, teaching her the entire syllabus for both English Literature and Language. This student had left school due to bullying, which severely impacted her confidence and interest in studies, heightened by a recent ADHD diagnosis. To reengage her, I took an unorthodox approach to our lessons. We conducted our sessions at the V&A, the Wallace Collection, and other major institutions, watched a live performance of Othello, and read the books aloud together. By the end of our time, she had not only achieved a Grade 6 in English Language but also developed a renewed interest in art, literature, and media. She could confidently discuss her ideas and the authors' intentions, showing a deepened understanding and appreciation for the subjects.
Atom Learning | 2022 – 2024
While working at Atom, I have helped KS1 and KS2 students significantly improve their scores, leading to successful admittance to top schools such as Bexley schools, Latymer School, Brighton College, Kensington, JAGS, Alleyn’s, Streatham & Clapham, Emanuel, St Paul’s, St Dunstan’s, Hampton, and Reading School. I have also worked with early learners, helping them overcome academic challenges and preparing them for their 7+ and 8+ entrance exams. Additionally, I have supported students from Year 4 to Year 6, guiding them through their 11+ preparations and helping numerous learners sharpen their skills ahead of these critical exams.
Malinda Griffin (Atom Parent) ‘First of all, I was completely blown away with last night’s lesson. I’m not always this effusive and we’ve had tutors before, but I couldn’t believe how quickly Agnès got Charlie engaged, focused and eagerly working away on a difficult comprehension. That alone is a huge win.
Perhaps more shockingly to me, was the fact that she got Charlie showing his thought process to her as he went. I could almost see myself the gaps that were appearing in his thinking (helpful as now we know what to support him with!) but also the strengths. Her report made so much more sense having seen it in real-time myself. We have a spot of work to do and Charlie knows it, but feels hopeful. It’s a very hard job to then turn it into tangible score improvement prior to ISEB but I feel in safe hands with Agnès.
Charlie left the lesson asking if he could “do it again, a lot” over the summer. Fabulous.’
Teaching style and philosophy:
My teaching style focuses on deeply engaging with students to foster their confidence and genuine enthusiasm for a subject. I have extensive experience working with capable students who face challenges in writing and humanities-based subjects, helping them discover the keys to developing a true interest in these areas. Additionally, I believe that grammar, punctuation, and spelling are fundamental components of learning that should be consistently refined and reinforced at every level.
Additional information:
In addition to my tutoring work, I write for the magazine Fetch London as an Arts and Culture Critic and contribute as an Editor. I’ve been helping the magazine to grow its readership since joining in November and we have recently secured funding for our first print edition. I also work as a freelance film programmer and am currently designing this year’s edition of the SET festival and a screening for London Film Week. In the past, I’ve led drama workshops in prisons, screened films at the Latitude Festival and worked as a qualified ballet teacher. I am based in East London but willing to travel and to conduct online lessons.