1st lesson free
One of our best tutors. Quality profile, experience in their field, verified qualifications and a great response time. CATHERINE will be happy to arrange your first Tuition lesson.
CATHERINE
One of our best tutors. Quality profile, experience in their field, verified qualifications and a great response time. CATHERINE will be happy to arrange your first Tuition lesson.
- Rate Ksh. 9,631
- Response 6h
-
Students50+
Number of students CATHERINE has accompanied since arriving at Superprof
Number of students CATHERINE has accompanied since arriving at Superprof
Ksh. 9,631/hr
Contact
1st lesson free
- Tuition
- Homework Help
- Methodology
- After school pick-up
Boost your child's confidence! Oxford Double First. 33 years' teaching experience. Creative teaching. The fun way to hit top grades! Years 7 - 11. Enjoy my Video!
- Tuition
- Homework Help
- Methodology
- After school pick-up
Lesson location
Ambassador
One of our best tutors. Quality profile, experience in their field, verified qualifications and a great response time. CATHERINE will be happy to arrange your first Tuition lesson.
About CATHERINE
- What kind of experience do you have?
Thirty-three years’ experience of teaching secondary-school English and English Literature, mostly in London, also abroad. Three decades of preparing pupils for exams, without teaching to the test! I know what the examiners want in depth and detail. I know the skills each question is testing. So I teach these skills in a lively, imaginative, well-rounded way.
My students know what to expect in exams. However, I do not just give them endless exam papers. That’s like learning to drive by taking driving tests for two years! A step by step approach works better. So does exploring a particular skill in a range of interesting ways.
For example, metaphors and similes can be found not only in poetry but on cans of soup and in the names of cars and make-up. Analysing the language techniques used in our everyday lives gives students countless lively and memorable ways into this subject. I know how to help students to hit the exam criteria without making this the only thing they learn to do. Instead of reducing this wonderful subject to a set of mark schemes, I draw on years of experience to make lessons creative, interesting and worthwhile. This will give your child a strong foundation for their own future learning and for life.
I taught as a full-time Secondary School English Teacher up to and including A Level between 1993 and 2004:
Four years at Old Palace School, Croydon
One Term at St Cyprian's School, Cape Town, South Africa (filling in for a teacher on maternity leave)
Three Years at Constantia Waldorf School, South Africa
Two Years at Lady Eleanor Holles School, Hampton
One Year at Notre Dame School, Cobham
Supply Teacher from about 2004 - 2010 while I established myself as a self-employed Private English Tutor.
Then I became self-employed and have taught for twenty years as a private tutor, with some supply teaching to keep my finger on the pulse.
I use cartoons to make things clear, fun and memorable in my teaching materials. These are on the Times Educational Supplement (TES) Website for teachers worldwide to download for free. The TES has given some of my resources five stars, made me a 'Recommended Author' and chose my 'Shakespeare's Hat' resource for their 'Best Shakespeare Resources' feature in April 2017. I've also made a miniature Globe Theatre to help my students to explore their set texts as play scripts written for an exciting outdoor stage, rather than just as tough old exam texts! Once you know what you will see onstage in any given scene, the meaning of the words starts to become clearer. You can also play with different staging and interpretations. It's a play - so play with it!
For nine years I wrote articles about teaching for The Times Educational Supplement (TES). This informs my teaching of the GCSE English paper: I can help students to write and analyse newspaper articles because I have written them myself.
Spending an hour with one student means that I can give clear and detailed feedback. I mark written work using three coloured pens: green for good, red for wrong and purple for next steps. This is motivating and effective because students can see at a glance what they're doing right and how to improve.
I teach at home with all my books and papers to hand. This allows me to select from over twenty years of teaching in one hour! I can see what a student needs and would enjoy, and I can give it to them there and then. I have past papers for exam practice and books on a huge range of subjects. Encouraging reading and helping each student find their own way into it is one of the most important parts of my job. I don't just "teach to the test". Of course, exam technique is crucial to success. However, it does not dominate my teaching. I think that the more you enjoy English, the more you will improve. So I always aim to choose interesting texts for each individual student – and above all, to send them home in a good mood, ready to tackle the next step!
- Do you have an up-to-date DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service, formerly CRB) Certificate?
Yes.
- Where and with whom did you train?
I trained as a teacher at Kings College, University of London.
- Do you belong to any professional organisations?
The Tutors' Association.
- Tell me about some of your current students.
My students are all hard-working, but all very different. They are are interested in a huge range of things, from sport to music, science to politics, fantasy to fashion. Each student brings a world of experience that sheds a unique light on this endlessly fascinating subject. Some play an instrument; this helps them to analyse poetic rhythm. Some love football; sports journalism fires their interest in good writing. Others enjoy science: they are often quick to spot the structure of a text, and variations on the pattern. English is a chameleon subject - it can adapt itself to whoever is studying it!
My students are better at English than they realise. So they need a boost to their confidence. Many of them are struggling with exam papers at school, often years before they will sit the exams themselves. This can be counter-productive. Premature exam practice can knock confidence and also jeopardise enjoyment.
So my lessons aim to boost confidence by taking a step-by-step approach. Enjoyment and clarity are central to this process. I think my students are enjoying the work because their parents tell me so! After all, English is a subject based on things that we do for pleasure, such as reading books and watching plays. Of course, my students all receive help with rigorous attention to accuracy, answering the question, structuring an essay and much more. However, they also get enjoyment and confidence – because that's the best way to improve.
One of my students said to me, "I'm making my own connections now, instead of just learning them." That sums up what I want for each student: to be able to study independently, making their own discoveries. It's great preparation for university and beyond.
See more
About the lesson
- Upper Primary
- Lower Secondary
- Adult Education
levels :
Upper Primary
Lower Secondary
Adult Education
- English
All languages in which the lesson is available :
English
Every child’s enjoyment of this subject and success in exams is unique. So I choose texts from a huge range of exciting books and articles. We have some laughs along the way, too! My teaching works best for those who are already working hard but need some individual attention to boost their confidence and enjoyment of the subject. English flings open the doors to the real world and to imaginary worlds. So there is a huge range of texts that can be used in lessons.
I have a Double First in English from Oxford, am a fully qualified teacher and have over twenty-five years' teaching experience. I have lived and taught in Teddington, Richmond upon Thames for twenty years.
I teach face to face at my home in Teddington, Richmond upon Thames. This is great: I have all my amazing books and teaching materials to hand, but I can also stop when we're looking at an exam question and say 'Look - the same language technique appears in this magazine advert. Why?' Language is everywhere!
I teach Years 7, 8, 9 and GCSE English Language and Literature.
Exam technique is important, so of course I teach it. I make it clear and memorable, often using visuals to explain points. Of course we go through exam papers. However, I do not let this dominate lessons, as it does in some schools. After all, I never heard a child say, “Wow, I loved that exam paper. Can we do this all the time?”
I find ways to prepare pupils for the exam without their even realising that this is happening. They find out later. For example: "You know that perfume review you analysed for how metaphors expressed strong emotion? Well, that's what you have to do for this question on poetry." Sometimes I ask pupils to look for language techniques on the objects they find at home. If you find alliteration on a can of soup or personification on a jar of coffee, you will remember it better than if it was lost in a long list of other techniques.
Clarity and detail in thought and expression are taught through a very wide range of tasks and exercises. I also pay attention to study skills from how to plan revision to how to select relevant material. Some of these are life skills, such as how to ease your own anxiety and how bounce back from a disappointment. These are the things that win success - in exams and in the life beyond!
The first lesson is free subject to availability, a 30-minute taster session on Teams.
PLEASE NOTE:
In your first message, please answer all these questions about your child. You can number your answers to save time. Thanks! Your answers will tell me what your child's teachers already know, and will also tell me whether I have the right expertise to help:
1. What is your child’s name and Year Group?
2. Does your child have any SEN, eg ADHD, autism, dyslexia?
3. Any medical conditions, eg asthma, diabetes, epilepsy?
4. Which school does your child attend?
5. Which exam board does your child's school use for English and English Literature?
6. What sort of grades or levels has your child been given recently for English?
7. Does your child work hard?
8. Does your child read regularly for pleasure?
My teaching materials often use my own cartoons to make things clear and memorable. I've also made videos using puppets and a miniature Globe Theatre to help bring Shakespeare to life - scroll down to watch one of these. You can watch more of my teaching videos on my YouTube Channel, 'pavertutor'.
- Which subject(s) do you teach?
English Language and Literature, at Years 7, 8, 9 and GCSE. I am not currently teaching A Level. From the apostrophe to Shakespeare and everything in between! Poetry - how to understand and enjoy it, and then how to analyse and compare poems. Shakespeare - how to peel the words off the page and enjoy them as amazing plays. Reading - how to understand and appreciate all forms of writing, from a match report to a Gothic novel. Writing - how to get an idea in the first place, then how to nurture it, plan it, and write anything from a professional business letter to the first page of a detective novel. Exam technique - how to tackle exam questions step by step, and then give the examiners what they really, really want.
- Tell me about your qualifications.
I have a Double First in English Language and Literature from Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford and a P.G.C.E.
- How much do you charge?
Each lesson costs £55 and last one hour. Free 30-minute lesson/consultation online - subject to availability.
- Where do you teach?
I teach in Teddington, Middlesex, in the borough of Richmond-upon-Thames. Occasionally I teach on Skype.
Teddington Rail Station is ten minutes' walk from me. There are direct trains to London, Waterloo. Also to Twickenham (7 minutes), New Malden (11 mins), Richmond (13 minutes) and Wimbledon (18 mins). The R68, 285 and 281 buses stop 5-10 minutes' walk from me.
There is free on-street parking in my road and in nearby streets. If you are bringing your child by car and have a long journey home, you are welcome to wait in my comfy living room until the end of the lesson!
- When are you available?
Weekdays, both during the day and after school. So if your child is home educated or not in full-time education, I can help. I teach during school terms and in some weeks of the holidays. Weekly, fortnightly and one-off lessons are all possible. Occasional Saturday mornings.
- Which ages and levels do you teach?
Years 7, 8, 9 and GCSE.
- Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
English Language and Literature GCSEs. I aim to make this amazing and flexible course clear, rewarding and exciting for students.
- Do you have a personal message for students?
Never give up! However, if you are stuck, take a break. Give your mind a rest. Play a song; play with a dog; get some fresh air. Then try again later or the next day with a refreshed mind. If you are still stuck, get in touch. To see first if you like the way I explain things, take a look at the little video up here on Superprof.
As well as being delighted with their exam results, I want all my students to enjoy some amazing books and also to relish using words themselves, in their own unique ways.
I want my students to look back on a course that they enjoyed, and to look forward to a lifetime's pleasure in words. I don't want them to spend two years worrying about what the examiners want. That's my job. I can see how a pupil's work hits the exam criteria. Your job as a student is to do your best and enjoy the journey!
See more
Recommendations
Recommendations come from relatives, friends and acquaintances of the teacher
6
As a longstanding friend of Catherine's, I'd be very jealous of anyone getting to learn from her. Her creativity, intelligence and passion for the subject make her a perfect tutor. As someone who has had a little experience teaching English to adults, I'm confident she would be a joy to learn with
I am delighted to be able to act as a reference for Catherine; she made a very positive impact on both my children. After sessions they returned home uplifted and inspired, confident to continue to study alone with an interested and positive attitude.
Catherine tutored my daughter, Rose, for her AS and A2 English Literature. She provided expert guidance on all aspects of the curriculum, always informed by her formidable knowledge of the texts. Catherine encouraged Rose to develop her own ideas, and Rose's understanding and confidence increased enormously as a result. Her marking of written work was particularly helpful in supporting Rose to express her ideas fluently.
I first met Catherine Paver when we taught together at the Lady Eleanor Holles School in Hampton where she was a well-liked and respected member of the English department. She has since individually tutored my three children who all liked her friendly and personal approach...Catherine thought carefully about what texts would interest a 12 year-old boy and succeeded in both challenging and engaging him...Catherine is a reliable, caring and understanding teacher who responds to the needs of the individual.
Catherine has managed to really inspire Amy, and has built up a very good relationship with her. Catherine has given Amy some very good techniques and skills to improve her work. Catherine is a very organised and structured tutor and most of all makes the lesson fun and positive. Amy's self confidence has been boosted massively; she really enjoys learning with Catherine and we would definitely highly recommend her.
The results have been amazing, not just in English but in all the essay-based subjects my daughter Issey did for GCSE. Catherine did so much to help Issey improve her writing style, understand and interpret literature and proof read her work in an effective way. Issey has become a far more confident writer and has learnt skills that will carry her through school and beyond. There is no question that she would not have achieved as she did without Catherine's help. I cannot recommend her highly enough.
View more recommendations
See more
Rates
Rate
- Ksh. 9,631
Pack prices
- 5h: Ksh. 48,157
- 10h: Ksh. 96,313
online
- Ksh. 9,631/h
free lessons
The first free lesson with CATHERINE will allow you to get to know each other and clearly specify your needs for your next lessons.
- 30mins
CATHERINE's Video
Similar Tuition teachers in Teddington
Chris
Paris 16e, France & Online
- Ksh. 17,717/h
- 1st lesson free
Ptashanna
Lyon, France & Online
- Ksh. 15,143/h
- 1st lesson free
Julien
Paris, France & Online
- Ksh. 9,086/h
- 1st lesson free
BOLD
Lyon, France & Online
- Ksh. 6,814/h
- 1st lesson free
Pierre
Paris 19e, France & Online
- Ksh. 7,571/h
- 1st lesson free
Fanny
Paris 16e, France & Online
- Ksh. 12,871/h
Fabian
Paris 13e, France & Online
- Ksh. 5,300/h
- 1st lesson free
Isabelle
Mons, Wallonia & Online
- Ksh. 5,300/h
- 1st lesson free
Sophie
Orléans, France & Online
- Ksh. 3,786/h
- 1st lesson free
Francoise
Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France & Online
- Ksh. 5,754/h
Louise
Paris 16e, France & Online
- Ksh. 3,937/h
- 1st lesson free
Thierry
Levallois-Perret, France & Online
- Ksh. 5,451/h
- 1st lesson free
Ilyas
Bègles, France & Online
- Ksh. 4,543/h
- 1st lesson free
Neha
Sydney, Australia & Online
- Ksh. 6,981/h
Filippo
Roma, Italy & Online
- Ksh. 5,300/h
- 1st lesson free
Jérôme
Paris 7e, France & Online
- Ksh. 18,171/h
- 1st lesson free
Julie
Paris 10e, France & Online
- Ksh. 9,086/h
- 1st lesson free
Pier Paolo
Roma, Italy & Online
- Ksh. 6,057/h
Gaël
Marseille 9e , France & Online
- Ksh. 3,029/h
- 1st lesson free
Pietro
Milano, Italy & Online
- Ksh. 10,600/h
-
See Tuition tutors
