Dora Copeland
Educational Services

To help my students improve their academic performance — including in English, Maths, confidence, executive functioning, and study and revision skills — I draw on the following teaching approaches:

  • Academic Skill Development:
    – Core English Skills: Instruction in foundational English, including spelling, punctuation, grammar, and reading comprehension.
    – Analytical & Critical Thinking: Developing skills in inference, summarizing, and evaluating information.
    – Expression & Communication: Enhancing clarity in written and oral communication through improved syntax, vocabulary, and understanding of connotations.
    – Study & Revision Skills: Teaching effective strategies for studying, revision, and self-assessment.
    • Targeted Examination Preparation:
      – Entrance Exams: Tailored instruction for 7+, 11+, and 13+ entrance exams, including interview techniques.
      – 11+ Exams: Specialised tutoring for the 11+ Independent Schools Examinations Board exams, covering English, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, and Maths.
      – High-Stakes Exams: Providing support for SATs and GCSEs, with a focus on Maths instruction up to Key Stage 4.
      • Individualised Learning & Support:
        – Bespoke Tutoring: Devising and implementing individual learning plans based on student needs and Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs).
        – Homework & Coursework Support: Offering assistance with homework and essay planning for all academic levels, from high school to postgraduate studies.
        – E-learning Integration: Utilising various e-learning platforms (e.g., Atom Learning, IXL, Seneca Learning) to support instruction.
        • Mentoring & General Education:
          – Mentorship: Acting as an academic mentor and life coach.
          – Creative Writing: Guiding students in creative writing.
          – Adult Education: Providing instruction for adult learners.

        Teaching analytical skills (inference, summarising, discarding unnecessary information)

        Teaching basic skills in English (SPaG – spelling, punctuation and grammar)

        Teaching basic skills in English (SPaG – spelling, punctuation and grammar)

        Teaching clarity of oral and written expression (syntax, vocabulary, connotations) – depending on the individual pupil’s needs and abilities

        Teaching reading comprehension and inference techniques (identifying explicit and implicit information)

        Teaching self-assessment and critical thinking

        Teaching revision and study skills

        Teaching independence and developing interpersonal communication skills

        Teaching creative writing

        Teaching interview techniques and preparation for 11+ and 13+ entrance exam interviews

        Teaching essay planning and management at high school, undergraduate and postgraduate levels

        Devising individual learning plans on the basis of pupils’ performance and/or Education Health Care Plans

        Providing homework support

        Teaching English, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Maths for the 8+ and 11+ Independent Schools Examinations Board exams (including use of the Atom Learning platform*)

        Teaching creative writing

        E-learning (IXL, Corbett Maths, Maths Workout, Atom Learning*, Mathsframe, Seneca Learning, etc.)

        Teaching Maths (especially algebra) to Key Stage 2 – Key Stage 4, and GCSE preparation

        Acting as a life coach / academic mentor

        Adult education