Lucy what is your background and what do you specialise in? I am a writer and poet with a passion for education and working with people. I have an MFA in creative writing, specialising in poetry, and hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (PGCLTHE). My writing has been widely published and featured in The Guardian and on BBC Radio 4, as well as being taught as part of the Open University MA in Creative Writing.As a private tutor I have developed a specialisation in helping students through their GCSE English Language and English Literature examinations. Sometimes students come to me in Year 7 and stay right the way through to their GCSE exams five years later. Others come for a few months in Year 11 for revision sessions and support with exam technique and essay writing.I have several years’ experience of tutoring for KS3 literacy, AS English Literature, SATs booster sessions for Year 6 pupils, and English as a Foreign Language with adults. I have prepared students for 13+ Common Entrance English examinations, and worked with many pupils of various ages with SEN, especially dyslexia.

“I feel much more confident with my writing and language analysis. Lucy has helped me significantly throughout the years and I am very grateful for everything. I would definitely recommend her for everyone! Fantastic tutor.”

S, GCSE English student, 2019

How do you work with students and what results have you seen? The poet Emily Dickinson is famously quoted as saying “Tell it slant”: look at the truth from a different angle. I try to find new, creative ways to help my students learn and understand. I work with students in various ways, depending on their needs. With GCSE students we might begin with a focus on reading comprehension skills and then move on to improving essay writing, both in structure in content. Other students might need to gain an understanding of how to use rhetorical devices or technical terms for writing about poetry. Some students are fine with writing essays on Shakespeare’s

Macbeth, while others need sustained help reading the text and analysing it for meaning. As students get closer to taking their exams, I guide them through specimen papers, and we work on exam technique.I teach using practical writing exercises, plus reading and analysing literature extracts, encouraging students to try things out and gain valuable experiential knowledge. This builds confidence and helps them to take ownership of their work. It’s a great way of consolidating their learning.The best part of my job is when students start to relax and begin to trust their own knowledge and skills. I have had students gain excellent passes at GCSE, two grades higher than expected.

What is the most important part of what you do? Seeing students make consistent progress each week, reach their goals and feel more confi dent about their learning.It’s about fi nding out what each student needs to help them to succeed and achieve their aims.

Where do you want to take your business in the future? I run creative writing workshops for adults and would like to be doing more of this for children.