Catherine Griffin's Tutor Profile (see if Catherine is in your area!)

English
GCSE or Standards - £15.00p.h.
A-Level or Highers - £17.00p.h.
Adult/Casual learner - £20.00p.h.

Personal Description: I have the usual school O grades and Highers i.e English, Maths, History, Italian, French and Latin. I have an SHNC in Business & Financial Administration from Napier University and I studied English at Birkbeck College, University of London, where I attained a BA Hons in Humanities (English, Sociology and Media).

Tutoring Experience: I have been a full time tutor for eleven years, eight of which were spent in London mainly teaching ‘A’ level English before relocating back to Scotland. I prefer working with the individual rather than teaching because every students learns in a different manner and it is rewarding to focus on the particular needs of each student. Due to time restraints this would not be possible in a classroom of 20-30 students.

Although I accept both Standard and the Intermediate Grade students I specialise in Higher English as this is where most of the demand is.

Tutoring Approach: The gap between Standard Grade and Higher English can be difficult for students to bridge. When the new term commences they are presented with texts exposing them to sophisticated language and advanced interpretations skills which they are unfamiliar with. It can be daunting to tackle this leap without a road map to guide you to this higher level.

Students often lose their confidence at this point and if you are struggling at the beginning of term you are playing catch up all year. As a tutor it is my job to provide that road map; to ascertain how each student learns and focus on areas of difficulty in the curriculum. Generally, more analytical students prefer Close Reading questions but may experience difficulty expressing themselves in straight essay questions worth 25 marks. The opposite is true for students with an intuitive response to literature who excel at fluid, expressive prose.

I prefer to tutor from home in a quiet, ergonomic environment specifically tailored for study and where I have all my resources to hand but will travel if necessary. After eleven years of tutoring there is nothing more rewarding than facilitating the transition from struggling student to a confident candidate poised with the appropriate tools to sit their examination.

Qualifications:

• • Highers: English, History, French, Italian
• • ‘A’ level English
• • SHNC in Business and Financial Administration
• • BA Hons Humanities (English, Sociology & Media)

Availability: Weekends / Weekdays (all times)
References Available: Yes
CRB Check: Yes

Date Registered:	12/10/2008
Date Last Logged In:	29/12/2008
Total Amount Of Feedback:	1
Total Positive Feedback:	1     Av. 5.00/5.00

From Nuala McElroy (5/5): I was very impressed by Catherine's professionalism, organisation and ability to motivate my son. He now feels much more confident as he approaches his Higher English.