Mel West
My name is Mel and I have been an English teacher for 22 years.
I am an expert in guiding students to make significant gains in their English skills. I teach order, systems and approaches, helping to cut through the noise to find what works. My specialism is tutoring for AQA GCSE English Language and Literature, helping students understand exactly what they need to do to ace the exams.
As a dedicated tutor, my students are my sole focus. I no longer work a 60 hour teaching week and fit tutoring in around the edges; I am devoted to helping my students find success and confidence. I never take on more than ten students at a time to ensure I have the time to understand each student and plan for their needs.
As a GCSE examiner for AQA I keep up to date with the very latest developments in the specifications, as well as maintaining my wider subject-specific and pedagogical CPD, all of which means I can do my best for the students in my care.
Teaching Experience
I started my career with 9 years in a mainstream secondary in Hampshire where I taught English and Drama and was an assistant head of year. I then moved to a multi academy trust in Surrey where I worked for a total of 11 years across two schools as a head of year, English teacher and teaching and learning coach, and was part of the team that made our school #1 nationally for GCSE results in 11-16 comprehensives - no mean feat! I have also spent two years working in a pupil referral unit and now work 1:1 with SEND students who are outside of mainstream education, alongside my private tuition work.
Education
BA (Hons) English, University of Southampton PGCE English, University of Reading