Rosie Collier-Gent

In general, I use extracts from a variety of sources, ranging from texts, essays, photos and music as a springboard for learning and discussion. I like to use the lesson as a space for debate and creative thinking, so I always encourage students to talk through their ideas and expand upon them verbally.

If a student is preparing for an entrance exam or Oxbridge interview, we go through interview or entrance exam questions together, either discussing them verbally or writing responses together. If the student wishes, extra reading or exercises can be set for them to do in their own time, which I will mark and then discuss with the student.

For A Level and GCSE students, after discussing the student's personal goals, I will create a tailored lesson plan to suit their individual needs. With the student I will delve into the cultural, historical, and social background of the texts they are studying, whilst also helping them improve their close reading and essay writing skills.

For students learning English as a foreign language, I like to use a mixture of games and written and verbal exercises to improve grammar and vocabulary. I will create a specific lesson plan for each student, but my lessons generally tie in a theme and grammar point together, so that the student improves both their grammar and vocabulary simultaneously.