Background
Emma graduated from Oxford University in 2016 with a first in English Literature, having previously come top of her year in all her A level subjects at Hills Road Sixth Form College. After Oxford Emma trained at drama school in London, and now works as a playwright and actor. Emma recently wrote and co-starred in a play called Flinch, which received multiple four-star reviews and was described by The Guardian as a ‘promising debut which gets under the skin of troubled relationships’ (Michael Billington). Emma believes that her work as an actor increases her ability to deliver academic material in an engaging and confident manner, whilst he career as a writer comes with a genuine passion for language and literature that she is able to impart to her students.
Besides her writing and acting career, Emma is an avid cook and loves yoga classes. For Emma, London is the best city in the world and she spends as much time as she can going to plays, films and concerts. Coming from an international background – my mother is Dutch; my Dad is Canadian – she has always loved to travel, particularly around Europe.
Emma’s final dissertations at University were on Thomas Hardy and Samuel Beckett, two authors who have always been important to her. Recently she’s loved reading Elena Ferrante’s novels and Deborah Levy’s essays. And when young, one of her favourite books was Eva Ibbotson’s Journey to the River Sea.
Tutoring Experience and Approach
Emma has seven years of experience working as a private tutor, teaching students from KS1 to adult at all levels of academic ability. She specialises in teaching English but has also taught Drama, Classics, and History. At GCSE and A level, Emma has repeatedly helped students progress from D to A grades, and has on multiple occasions taken sole responsibility for the English curriculum of home-schooled students. At 11+, Emma has helped students win places at top schools such as St Pauls and City, as well as win prestigious academic scholarships. Emma also writes the model answers for 11+ papers offered by tutoring companies as revision material. Other areas of expertise include mentoring Oxbridge applications – interview prep, ELAT guidance, personal statement help etc – and helping with specific written projects such as coursework and dissertations.
Why tutoring
To me, tutoring means the opportunity to create a relationship with a student which inspires them to grow in confidence, curiosity and ability. I love to share my genuine passion for English with all my students, and I believe this encourages them to become independent learners with drive of their own. Warmth, positivity and patience is key to my approach, as well as setting clear, achievable objectives; so that young people can monitor their progress. To see a student enjoy their development and take ownership of their work is a deeply rewarding experience.
Testimonials
“Emma has been working with my daughter for nearly a year now, including remotely doing lockdown. She has been a really inspiring and supportive teacher and mentor, really thinking carefully about what particular students need. Very grateful for all her support, empathy and guidance.”
“Emma worked with my daughter on creative writing and to support her class work. Our daughter loved the sessions and had nothing but praise for Emma.”
“Working with Emma was amazing! We did a few sessions before my final English Literature A Level exam and I leant so much! She was super friendly, understanding and helpful – personalising all the work we did to my needs and personality. I really enjoyed our sessions and only wish I started working with her earlier in the year!”
“My son enjoyed his lessons with Emma, she impressed him with her knowledge and ability to teach the subject. Emma has a very pleasing and enthusiastic personality which helped my son get through his dislike for the subject and actually quite enjoy it.”
“Emma was a kind, thoughtful, cheerful and positive teacher. My daughter enjoyed every lesson with Emma and flourished with her encouragement and excellent teaching skills.”