Iain

My lessons focus on the practical skills that improve English exam performance: precise textual analysis, clear essay structure and accurate use of textual evidence. Many students lose marks because their essays remain descriptive or loosely organised. I help students to develop structured analytical writing that meets the criteria used by their exam board.

We work closely with set texts so that understanding is secure and students can recall relevant material reliably in the exam room. For poetry, this includes careful attention to form, structure and technical terminology. For drama and prose, the emphasis is on building clear arguments supported by well‑chosen quotations.

I also support non-examination assessments, coursework, portfolio pieces and dissertations. Students are guided through planning, drafting and revision so that extended work remains well organised and aligned with assessment criteria.

Before examinations, we practise timed essay plans and focused analytical paragraphs to build confidence writing under pressure. Students also prepare short presentations on their chosen texts to refine their ideas and identify any gaps in knowledge.

Lessons take place online via Microsoft Teams (the student does not need a Teams account to participate).