Zael Ligertwood

With over ten years’ experience teaching English from KS2 through to A-Level across all major exam boards, alongside extensive work as a Lead Practitioner for literacy, curriculum designer and educational consultant for Debate Mate, I bring a strong record of raising attainment and supporting pupils with diverse needs, including SEN and EAL. My classroom and leadership roles, alongside tutoring since 2013, has deepened my understanding of how best to creatively support learners 1:1 and in small groups. I place great importance on building rapport and tailoring learning to help each student achieve their full potential. As a qualified yoga teacher and yoga therapist trainee, I bring a holistic approach to education. Many of my students have benefited from strategies that not only improve academic performance but also enhance focus, resilience and confidence, reducing anxiety and stress.

I have a wealth of knowledge and skills to best teach English and explore the depth of the subject. Developing our literacy skills should be enjoyable: whether we are presenting our viewpoints, describing the world around us or unpicking writers' craft, my lessons are creative and filled with opportunities to think critically and collaboratively.

I am passionate about using oracy to build literacy: through debating and discussion, we can understand the ambiguities of language, infer multiple meanings, consider various personal responses and become better writers, readers, speakers and listeners.

Our sessions will begin by getting to know each other, your learning style, strengths and areas of development. From here I can decipher how best to support you build on these talents and work towards your goals. All personalised feedback is tailored to develop your literacy skills, build confidence for assessments and move to becoming self-assured communicators - skills crucial in our modern world, beyond the classroom. My enthusiasm for English, debating, reading and writing is bound to rub off on you.

I look forward to meeting you and working together.