Catherine Bell

The first lesson will focus on assessing each student’s individual strengths, areas for improvement, and overall academic goals. This initial session allows me to tailor future lessons to the specific needs of the student, ensuring that all teaching is targeted and effective from the outset.

Each subsequent lesson is carefully structured around the student’s identified focus areas. We will revisit and reinforce key topics that require improvement, while also developing essential exam skills. A strong emphasis is placed on exam technique and source analysis, with lesson content selected to align closely with GCSE and A-Level History mark schemes.

I incorporate a range of proven answer structures and formulae that are designed to help students meet assessment objectives and maximise their marks. Alongside this, students will be given regular practice questions to complete independently. These tasks are an integral part of the learning process and will be reviewed at the beginning of each lesson. This review not only reinforces learning but also helps guide the direction and priorities of future sessions.

Within lessons, I also introduce and model effective independent revision strategies tailored to each topic. This ensures that students are not only improving within sessions but are also developing the skills and confidence to study successfully on their own.

For students considering continuing History beyond school, I can offer pre-university taster sessions. These provide insight into the expectations of university-level study, as well as practical guidance on academic writing, research skills, and time management. I also offer personalised advice on transitioning to university and strategies that support long-term success in History and related disciplines.