Sam

Biography

Originally from South Africa, I moved to the UK in 2003 and have been teaching here ever since. After graduating from the University of Natal with an Honours Degree in Psychology, I followed my vocation and trained as a secondary school teacher through the University of South Africa, obtaining my Post Graduate Certificate in Education. Having a keen sense of adventure and readiness to take on new challenges, I left South Africa for England and have been teaching English and Psychology at secondary schools for the past 23 years, which has equipped me with a wealth of pedagogical experience, subject and exam board knowledge.

Teaching Experience

My success as a tutor undoubtedly derives from my many years of experience within the classroom; quick to recognise the strengths and weaknesses of individual pupils, I am able to easily adapt my teaching methods, style of delivery and differentiate resources in order to foster confidence, therefore enabling academic success. Throughout my career, my GCSE results have been exemplary, often placing my students in the top 1% of the country nationally.

Having taught in three Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ Schools, I currently teach at Ricards Lodge High School, also rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. Not only an integral part of the English Department for the past 16 years, I am also a PGCE mentor.

As a tutor with EA, I tutor a wide age range, supporting the academic needs of many students. My youngest pupils attend Prep and Primary School, most of whom are applying to academically selective Independent and Grammar schools in and outside of London whilst my older students prepare for GCSE and A-levels. I have also taught the English component of the Saturday School to both Year 5 and Year 6 at Belleville School each Saturday for the past 7 years. As a GCSE English Language Examiner for AQA, I have received plaudits for my professionalism and marking accuracy, which have helped me, and my students, enormously in knowing how to improve their grades. I have helped students gain places at King’s College Wimbledon, City of London, Dulwich, Alleyn’s, Trinity, Streatham and Clapham and many more.

Interests

Outside my professional life, I have a passion for the outdoors and go camping with my partner and young son regularly. In terms of the wider community, I have recently become a volunteer with the Sea Cadets. I have put my English teaching skills to use by helping people experiencing homelessness at Crisis at Christmas to build their CVs and develop their writing skills, which I found particularly rewarding as I could see the impact it had on rebuilding their confidence. Passionate about nature conservation, I organised and planned a charity run to raise money in order to help prevent the decimation of the rhino population in Africa.