Helen Knowles

I have 9 years’ experience working in schools both primary and secondary. I also tutor maths to Key Stage 1 and 2 students where I plan lessons and use fun resources to effectively meet their specific needs, especially at such a young age.

 

I am a qualified examination Invigilator and Exam Reader and Scribe for students with special educational needs including Dyslexia, ADHD and some physical challenges.  An Exam Reader sits with an individual student throughout the exam to read the questions and read back their answers for them.  This work has given me a special insight into the exam process, student needs and student behaviour. With this experience I now advise on exam techniques for enhancing performance in GCSE exams. These sessions include revision and content preparation and then strategies for the exams themselves.

 

With younger students it is very rewarding to help them gain confidence in English and instil a love of the language from an early age. As a Classics graduate, I have a love, and considerable knowledge, of the English language and a wealth of literature.  This is relevant from Year 2 all the way through to Year 11.

 

Within Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, I run weekly sewing clubs in local schools teaching different skills with stitching and textiles. I organise holiday workshops and even taught sewing over Zoom during the pandemic. Anything is possible! In my spare time I enjoy being creative with sewing and knitting and have taught groups of adults in both skills and currently have a successful online shop.

 

I am very used to building a rapport with a student quickly and professionally for the duration of our working time together.  I have two teenage children of my own so plenty of experience of dealing with exams from a parent’s perspective.

 

“Helen has been fantastic with my son (now year 3) over the past 18 months. She made her sessions with him fun and engaging and I really saw him progress, helping him with areas of difficulty but also making sure all of the basics were covered. She recognised when he needed a short break and made sure there was variety in each lesson. My son was always happy when Helen came over and I have nothing but positive things to say - I would wholeheartedly recommend Helen to anyone looking for a tutor for their child.”