Victoria

In my career as a teacher, my biggest goal has always been to inspire young people to exceed their own expectations and to enjoy the reward of learning and study. With over 14 years of experience across a wide range of educational settings, I have found that the most rewarding aspect of my work is not just seeing a student pass an exam, but watching their confidence build and a new found pleasure in reading and writing. I believe that education is a deeply “human” process, and this is why our work as educators is safe for the moment. My approach is always highly adaptive, focusing on the individual strengths and needs of each student.

For the past twelve years, my focus has been on the front lines of GCSE English (8700). Teaching at Chichester College and GBMC, I have supported learners across an incredibly wide range of abilities. Many of my students arrive feeling disillusioned or overwhelmed by the complexities of the 9-1 AQA course. My specialty lies in re-engaging these learners by breaking down intimidating exam questions into simple, manageable “bites.” By demystifying the assessment process, I help students who previously felt “stuck” realize that success is well within their reach.

Perhaps what sets my tutoring apart is my “insider” knowledge. For the last four years, I have served as an Examiner for AQA. This role has given me invaluable insight into assessment principles and the specific application of national standards. I don’t just teach the content; I teach the strategy. I show my students exactly what the examiners are looking for, sharing the tips and nuances that can elevate a response from a standard pass to something exceptional. I have seen the life-changing impact this knowledge can have, such as the two Syrian students I supported who, despite starting with very limited English, achieved a strong Grade 5. I have also seen it in the dyslexic learners I’ve mentored, helping them develop specialized reading skills so they can maximize their marks and secure their places at university.

My foundation as a teacher began with a combination of a foundation degree in Montessori Early Childhood Education and CELTA (Cambridge qualification of teaching english as a foreign language) training. This start gave me a deep understanding of how the human brain acquires language, from the curiosity of a preschooler to the linguistic requirements to pass exams. These early experiences taught me that the key to success is creating a supportive, creative environment where students feel safe to take risks and learn by ‘doing’. This philosophy followed me as I worked across Europe and the Middle East, and even into a specialised “Teach the Teacher” project for the British Council in Sri Lanka. These global experiences, teaching ESOL and summer schools, gave me a solid awareness of diverse learning needs and a global perspective that I bring into every session today.

I am also a passionate linguist and a fluent Spanish speaker. Earlier in my career, I taught Spanish and French at The Littlehampton Academy and Durrington High School in West Sussex, and I continue to share this love for languages today. For the past eight years, I have run independent evening Spanish classes in my hometown for adults, managing both beginner and intermediate groups. My approach to Spanish is fun and creative; I believe that for a language to truly ‘gel’, it must be enjoyed. It is a point of great pride for me that I still have former students from 15 years ago who see me in my home town and can still sing the Spanish songs we learned together in class.

Beyond my professional qualifications—which include my PGCE and extensive experience in Further Education—I am a mother to a successful, well-balanced young woman of 31. This personal experience of parenthood has helped my teaching immensely ; I can understand the stress parents feel during these important school years and I know how much it matters for your child’s future. Because of this, I work hard to be the kind of expert mentor I would want for my own child

When I am not teaching or examining, I enjoy the outdoors. I like sailing and have just taken up Padel. I love being out in the open air. I love to cook for my friends, surrounding myself with good food and even better company. I bring this same warmth and energy into my online tutoring, ensuring that every student feels seen, heard, and praised for their achievements.