Student Feedback.

As a tutor it is always valuable to receive reviews from students and parents. Not only does this support me to grow as a business but it helps potential parents and students have an idea of who I am as a teacher and a person. Reviews come in multiple forms varying from formal reviews, when I share my Google Map Business Profile, to informal conversations with students. Last week, I asked students to write an evaluation of their sessions. One student wrote, “My GCSE Sessions help me a lot because we cover important content during our lessons, including English Literature Context and English Language techniques.” She then went on to say, “I feel no pressure in our lessons and no fear of answering incorrectly, because I always get extra feedback.” She also commented that student discussions in this small group helped her too. This review was really pleasing for me as I always promote a friendly atmosphere and I spend time making students feel safe enough not worry about their mistakes. These mistakes often lead to meaningful learning and the student is then able to improve.

Another student referred back to how valuable they had found the workshops over the Easter Holidays. She said, “The Macbeth Workshop” helped to widen my knowledge of themes such as gender and kinship.” The same student commented that “In “The Inspector Calls Workshop” the collaborative work was effective as we could use others ideas to develop our essay paragraphs as well as testing our knowledge with flashcards.” This student also commented that she had improved her writing skills due to personalised feedback. This student normally attends one to one sessions and therefore it was encouraging to see that she also enjoyed the small group environment of the workshops.

Each lesson starts with a friendly chat about how the student has been since the last session and if they have any news to share regarding their schoolwork. At the end of each session, students are asked what they would like to focus on in their next session which empowers the student to take control of their learning. I also include specific tasks, that I assess the student needs to focus on, giving the content of the sessions an important balance.

Students enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and comment that sessions are “fun!” Students feel comfortable to ask questions and to share their scores from school so that the sessions target where they need support.

I have been a qualified teacher for 28 years and a qualified examiner for 14 years, so I bring a lot of past experience to my sessions and this allows me to teach a wide range of students with different abilities and needs. I am currently teaching students who are aiming for the top grades, and those who need specific support to pass. This includes students from my local area, students from London, Manchester, Surrey, Hull and of course from my home town of Liverpool. Tutoring online allows students from all over the country to access my lessons. Parents often recommend me to their family and friends and it is common for me to teach siblings.

At the moment, I have spaces on my AQA GCSE English Literature and Language Class from the middle of June and spaces on my Eduqas GCSE English Language and Literature Class from the middle of June too. I also have experience of teaching Edexcel if your child requires support with this Examination Syllabus.

Please use the form provided to make enquiries or email me direct: burnsv@vbtutoring.co.uk