English Tutors

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Our English Tutors

Liz Pywell

I charge £50ph for 1:1 tuition. For group rates, please contact me.

I went into teaching because I love literature and I love working with young people; as a result I find it not only satisfying but also thoroughly enjoyable.  I began working in independent schools in 2005, and have taught both English Literature and Drama and Theatre Studies to A level standard as well as running a boarding house, and, since 2013, offering high quality private tuition. I am also a published poet, and run creative writing workshops in schools and in small groups.
 
I am qualified to MA level and have a Boarding Schools Association certificate in pastoral care.
 

A recent homeschooled tutee’s parent left me this testimonial: ‘We cannot express our gratitude enough for your support of our son throughout the last two years. Your clear understanding of his learning challenges and your ability to tailor your teaching to suit his ways of working allowed our son to grow in confidence and begin to explore his creative side leading to an increased ability to express himself in writing. Indeed, not only did he begin to read more but he also began to write more. Your encouragement of his writing and forensic approach to the reading disciplines of the exam paper meant that when it came to taking the exam, he was absolutely clear on how he approached the questions. Clearly his result of a grade 9 exceeded even our expectations and is testament to your dedication, professionalism and ability in preparing candidates for public exams whatever their learning needs are.’I am a highly qualified and experienced teacher. 

 
GCSE/iGCSE: 
I have taught iGCSE English Language and English Literature (CIE and Edexcel), GCSE English (OCR, WJEC and AQA), GCSE English Language (OCR and AQA) and GCSE English Literature (OCR, WJEC and AQA) as well as examining for OCR, AQA and CIE. (I can teach to any syllabus, however.) 
 
A level:
I have taught English Literature (OCR, Edexcel and AQA) and the Literature aspect of English Language and Literature (Edexcel).  I have also taught Drama and Theatre Studies (AQA).
 
University entrance exams:
ACT and SAT.
 
I have given private tuition to students of all ages including mature students requiring help at all educational levels.  I have also tutored English Literature undergraduates and PGCE students (Primary and Secondary) and provided help for students needing to learn the skills and exam techniques required for the Literacy Key Skills Test.  I am one of the only tutors in the UK providing expert English tuition for the ACT and SAT American university entrance exams.
 
I believe that study and revision skills are incredibly important and always teach them alongside academic subjects. 
 
As a Housemistress I have several years of experience of pastoral care and am empathetic and sensitive to my students as individuals. I am a strong believer in working with my students’ strengths while challenging them to improve areas of weakness in a supportive and friendly manner.  As well as the syllabus required I also teach the study skills students need to continue their learning between lessons. 
 
I believe that learning should be fun and that everyone has the capacity to enjoy language, novels, poetry and plays.  I aim to help all students set themselves ambitious but realistic goals, whether that is to read aloud confidently, pass GCSE English or get an A* in A level English Literature, and then to meet those goals and go on to face new challenges with positivity and determination. Recent pupil success stories include one who was predicted a G at GCSE but achieved a C grade after only half a term’s tuition with me, and several who have achieved A* grades at A level. 
 

As well as offering tuition sessions of one, two or three hours on a regular basis, I offer intensive day and two day long courses to pupils preparing for exams. These are during half terms and school holidays and are one on one. Please enquire for further details.

 
 
Contact Liz

Why An English Tutor?

Universities and employers very much value people with strong English GCSE and A Level results; such qualifications equip people with the vital communication skills required in most careers and in our day-to-day lives. Careers such as Law, Politics, Consultancy, Journalism and Teaching all require excellent English skills.

There are a range of reasons why you may think that an English tutor is the way forward. We and our tutors find that the most common reasons that students require an English tutor are as follows:

  • Struggling with GCSE English Language

Since many employers and universities require a grade 4-5 (formerly grade C) in English Language,  there tends to be a lot of pressure for students to perform well. Our York English tutors are all qualified teachers and so encounter such students as part of their daily job.  

  • Dyslexia

At York Tuition, we have specialist English tutors trained to help students develop coping mechanisms to deal with the daily challenges that Dyslexia brings. Our tutors are able to help students realise for themselves that Dyslexia needn’t be a barrier to success, both academically and in life.

  • The Current GCSE

With the system for GCSEs having changed and students now being graded from 9-1 rather than from A*-G, things can currently seem quite confusing. Given that our tutors are also fully-qualified classroom teachers and so have experience in delivering and marking the new GCSEs, you can rest assured that students are in safe hands with our English tutors.

Whatever your reason for seeking an English tutor, we have English tutors who can help. Simply choose your tutor from their profile and contact them directly!