Maria
About Me
As a current PhD student in English at the University of Cambridge, with a solid academic background including a BA in Comparative Literature from QMUL and a Mst in English Literature (1830-1914), I am thrilled to offer my expertise and guidance in English language and literature, creative writing, Italian, and essay skills, as well as help with university admissions.
I am bilingual, fluent in Italian and English, and since 2016, I have been tutoring students aged 10 to 19 in various subjects. Notably, I have assisted four students in securing MSt/MPhil offers from Oxbridge in humanities subjects and supported many others in gaining admission to prestigious institutions within the Russell Group.
My tutoring style is characterised by enthusiasm, organisation, and adaptability to your specific needs. I believe in fostering a comfortable learning environment where questions are encouraged. Having navigated the application processes myself, I understand the importance of tailored support for personal statements and interview preparation.
Whether you are preparing for exams, refining your language skills, or navigating the complexities of university applications, I am here to help. Together, we will work at a pace that aligns with your learning style, building your self-confidence along the way 🙂
My teaching style
I favour a dynamic and personalised approach, tailored to the unique needs and learning styles of my students. I believe in fostering a collaborative and engaging learning environment that promotes active participation and critical thinking. In literature and languages tutoring, I aim to instil a deep appreciation for the subject matter by connecting it to real-life examples and cultural contexts. Rather than presenting information passively, I encourage students to actively analyse texts, explore diverse perspectives and express their own interpretations.
Flexibility is key. I understand that each student has their own strengths, challenges and pace of learning. As such, I adapt my methods to accommodate individual needs, ensuring that sessions are both enjoyable and productive. Whether it’s breaking down complex literary concepts or honing language skills, I am committed to providing targeted guidance to address specific areas of improvement.
I actively seek input from my students, encouraging them to ask questions and voice their thoughts. This not only enhances their understanding but also helps build confidence in expressing ideas.
My past experience
I have assisted GCSE, A-level and IB students in various humanities subjects, enriching their understanding and honing their skills in literature, languages and essay as well as creative writing. My guidance extends beyond the classroom, as I have actively supported students through the challenging process of university applications.
Navigating the intricate details of university applications can be a daunting task, and I take pride in offering comprehensive support to students seeking admission to higher education. I have successfully guided students through the intricacies of crafting compelling personal statements, ensuring that their unique strengths, experiences and aspirations shine through. Moreover, I provide assistance with every element of the application process, from refining resumes to preparing for interviews, empowering students to present themselves confidently and authentically.
My Proudest Achievements
My achievements include winning the Award for the best Comparative Literature essay in year 3 at Queen Mary University of London and holding the highest overall grade in my cohort.
I teach
- English
- English Language
- English Literature
- Reading
- Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar
- Creative Writing
- Extended Essay
- Latin
- Italian
- Thinking Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Essays
- Oxbridge Application
- English Learning
- English Skills
- Personal Statement
- Modern and Medieval Languages (MML)
- Study Skills
- UCAS
- Research Methods
My Results and Achievements
- Offer from Cambridge Mphil
- Offer from Oxford Mst
- Offer from St Andrews MLitt
- Award for Highest Score in my Cohort
- Award for Best Essay in Year 3
- Helped 4 receive Oxbridge postgraduate offers
- Helped 6 receive Russell Group offers