Effi Bletsas-White

I am currently studying my second year of English Literature at Edinburgh University and have a real passion for helping others realise the joy of the subject outside the monotony of English examinations. I achieved an 8 in GCSE English and a 7 in IB English and have received several firsts on my Literature essays in my first university year.

I have previous GCSE English tutoring experience within my secondary school and maintained a conversational and exploratory approach, as having a technique in which to discover what a student feels stands out to them in a text is a much more versatile and exam-applicable skill than memorisation of techniques or essay plan. Using this approach, I saw a change within my students' mindsets which allowed them to be better prepared for their exams and additionally go into them with a more confident attitude. Rather than telling students that a certain theme or technique inherently exists within the text, they should be able to discover aspects themselves to which they can understand how these are being created, and why, therefore prompting a more unique and personal response to a text and more rounded and distinctive exam responses.

I also have experience working with young children, both in a Year 2 classroom for 6 months and then tutoring a Year 5 student for the 11+, from which she had no experience with and ended up passing the assessment!

I am truly passionate about the subject and working with students to instil confidence and determination; exams are inevitably daunting but with some dedication they should feel like an opportunity to grow and test strengthened skills.