Experienced, friendly tutor offering tailored GCSE and A level English Language and literature tuition.

Find out more about Alexander

• 1) When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I have been interested in language and literature since childhood. Reading offered me a way of discovering the world - and retreating from it when necessary! I began writing creatively as a child and have continued to this day. I studied literature at university and began tutoring at that time to supplement my income.

• 2) Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I am a published, practicing poet so, unsurprisingly, my favourite subject is poetry. I have a knowledge of poetry that has taken a lifetime to acquire. My favourite eras are mid-twentieth century American poetry and contemporary English and American poetry . I am also very passionate about fiction, particularly teaching it as a creative practice. I actually enjoy all aspects of English-- even some of the more obscure areas of linguistics!

• 3) Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  I had a very inspiring English teacher in primary school called Mrs. Reynolds. She opened up the world of literature to me, encouraging me to read outside of the curriculum and challenge myself. She was also very supportive of my first poems and stories. Without her influence, I doubt I would have become a writer and teacher.

• 4) What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  A good tutor possesses a deep understanding of the subject they teach and continuously updates their knowledge to stay current. They have excellent communication skills, able to explain concepts clearly and adapt their explanations to match the student's comprehension level. Patience is crucial, as they recognize that students learn at different paces and remain calm and supportive, even when challenges arise. Empathy allows them to relate to the student's perspective and provide emotional support, fostering a positive learning environment. Adaptability is key, as they use various teaching methods and resources to cater to different learning styles. Organizational skills ensure they create structured lesson plans and manage time effectively during sessions. Motivational skills are important, as they inspire interest in the subject and help students set and achieve academic goals. Finally, a good tutor should provide constructive feedback, regularly assess progress, and discuss it with the student.

• 5) Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  In secondary school, I had an English teacher called Mrs. Reynolds who was passionate about literature. One day, she assigned us a seemingly mundane task: to write a letter to someone we admired. Most of us, including myself, saw it as just another assignment. However, Mrs. Reynolds added a twist: she promised to post the letters to the people we wrote to if we wanted her to.
  
  I wrote to my favorite author, Michael Morpurgo, pouring my heart into the letter about how his books had inspired me. I handed it in, not expecting much. A few months later, I was astonished to receive a response. Morpurgo had written back, thanking me for my letter and encouraging me to keep reading and writing.
  
  The experience taught me the power of words and communication. It also showed me that writing wasn't just about assignments and grades; it could create connections and open doors to the world. Mrs. Reynolds' assignment made me realize that our words have the potential to reach far beyond the classroom, touching lives in unexpected ways.

• 6) What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  Areas of English grammar have always been difficult for me. Unlike languages with more consistent grammatical structures, English is filled with irregular verbs, idiomatic expressions, and exceptions to almost every rule. For example, the difference between "who" and "whom," or mastering the proper use of tenses in complex sentences, often tripped me up. Even now, I occasionally find myself double-checking grammar rules, particularly when it comes to advanced syntactical structures and ensuring precision in academic or professional writing! These ongoing challenges highlight the importance of continuous learning and practice in mastering any language.

• 7) Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  My passion is poetry. I have written it since childhood and now publish regularly. I studied poetry at university and was considering a career in academia. Ultimately, I decided to work as a tutor and psychotherapist because of the flexibility. My knowledge of poetry far exceeds the basic requirements of GCSE and A level . It is way of life for me.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P) ?

  I am genuinely passionate about my subject, and I love helping students discover the power of language and literature. Good exam results are great-- but nothing beats making literature relevant and alive for my students.