Johanna O'shea

I work with students on strengthening their subject knowledge, analytical skills, essay planning, essay writing and creative writing. A strong critical vocabulary and confidence in interpretation are essential to academic success. I foster dialogue and curiosity, I hone critical thinking skills, and encourage students to embrace the challenges of their subject. Contextualising studies is crucial: creating a bigger picture enables young people to appreciate the connections between their academic work and their interests, beliefs and ambitions. Drawing on the relevance of textual analysis to social and global issues encourages independent thinking and motivation. I aim to demonstrate the immense value of strong written and verbal communication skills, and to help students frame their work within their plans for the future. Tuition often - although of course, not always - involves a degree of mentoring; and this is an aspect of my work I value greatly. Listening to students and helping them to express themselves is a vital part of helping them to learn.

The students I work with see wonderful grade improvements, achieve top exam grades, and attain places to study Literature and other degrees at their chosen destinations of Oxbridge, Russell Group, Ivy League and many other excellent universities.

I provide ongoing assessment and a range of resources to support students in building subject knowledge and strengthening their analytical skills and critical and creative writing. I teach academic skills and reflective learning practices, revision and exam technique, coursework and EPQ preparation. I teach all the UK exam boards: AQA, Edexcel, CIE and OCR; and International GCSE and A-Level specifications. I have successfully prepared students for a large range of entrance exams. I teach school students from 9 to 19 year-olds, university students and learners of English as a foreign language. I deliver courses for home-schooling students. I work closely with students on university applications, supporting them with their UCAS statements and personal essays. I have tutored medical applicants working towards their BMATs, and university students working on their PhD proposals. 

I teach in Brighton and the surrounding area. I teach mainly in person but also offer online tuition.