Viveka Kjellberg-Motton

As a Philosophy teacher with 5 years of experience at a grammar school in Kent, I decided to get into tutoring because the aspects of teaching that I really enjoy: conveying my interest in a topic to students, explaining complex concepts clearly and working one on one with students, translate directly into tutoring.

Working with students individually or in small groups is an important part of my job, and one that I really enjoy. It's very rewarding to have the time to focus on a student, to understand the way they learn, and the pace they learn at; to observe and understand the factors that hold them back in their progress. When you then address this matter — whether through targeted practice (e.g. exam technique), addressing misunderstandings in the content or bad habits in writing, or through building confidence — the progress made can be incredible.

I have mentored students applying to Oxbridge, helping them with various aspects of the process, from personal statements and entrance tests through to interviews and meeting their offer. Having been through this process myself (successfully) as an applicant, I am very keen to help students going through the same ordeal!

My approach will vary greatly from student to student, depending on their situation, their goals, their current level and how they seem to learn best. I think the most important thing - even the defining thing - about tutoring is that it should be personalised to the student. Generally, however, I make sure there is strong communication between myself and parents, I make regular use of assessments, and make sure that my students are mentally engaged and mentally busy for the whole session with me. Above all, I try to make learning satisfying, successful and fun.