Goldsmiths MA graduate tutoring Art & Design. GCSE, A Level, Degree levels. Portfolio, research and project support for reaching the top grades.

Find out more about Vanessa

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I developed an interest in tutoring whilst helping my friends at university with their writing projects and dissertations. I moved to London and studied amongst a lot of international students. Many of my friends needed support with writing in English and I discovered that I was good at academic writing, and that it is a lot easier to see how to improve something as a second pair of eyes. I helped several of my friends get A grades in their dissertations!

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I teach English, Music and Art/Design. With English, I can help with all sorts of topics, as well as conversation skills, essay writing, researching, whatever is required! I have a TEFL (Teaching English as Foriegn Language) and so I've learnt how to adapt my skills in English teaching to different topics and scenarios, as well as different levels of capability.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  My English Teacher at school was a huge inspiration for me. She saw my potential and put extra time in to help me achieve my best. Thank you Mrs McBain!

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  Listen to the student's needs, explain your feedback clearly, inspire and encourage students.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  I had initially struggled with writing when I was younger, and English was one of my weakest subjects in primary school! But when I was a teenager, I came across books that really excited me, and I started to read fiction for fun. The first book I properly read and loved was 'The Time Traveller's Wife' by Audrey Niffenegger. I learnt that from reading, my own writing was improving. I found it so inspiring to read different writing styles and learnt that there was no "right" way of doing it. I rewrote my creative writing coursework for GCSE English Literature, using my own style that felt much more natural, and much to my suprise my teacher gave me full marks!

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  It is hard to believe in yourself, especially when we compare ourselves to others. I try to remind myself everyday to have confidence in myself, and allow my differences to make me stand out from the crowd in a good way.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  I absolutely love writing and I love to teach! So both! It is extremely rewarding to see a student build their confidence, and even start to love the subject.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering this interview questions :-P) ?

  I am very passionate about helping my students and will do everything I can to support you.