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Online English Language Tutor Karen

Karen

Karen

PGCHE Postgraduate

$65/hr

Experienced English Language (GCSE) & Drama Tutor (GCSE & A level)
Calm, structured exam support to help students understand questions, organise their ideas clearly, and feel more confident under pressure.

Karen0 classes

University of Sussex - PGCHE - Postgraduate

Experienced English Language (GCSE) & Drama Tutor (GCSE & A level)
Calm, structured exam support to help students understand questions, organise their ideas clearly, and feel more confident under pressure.

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About Me

I trained at Rose Bruford College and hold a BA in Acting and an MA in Theatre & Performance from QMUL. I later moved into education and have spent the last 20 years teaching English and supporting teenage and pre‑university students.

I’m based in Brighton and love walking on the beach or South Downs with my dog, Rufus. I remain creatively active as an actor and singer, performing as a soloist and working on recording projects. This keeps my teaching grounded in real‑world creative practice.

Alongside my degrees, I hold a PGCHE, Cambridge DELTA (Diploma in English Language Teaching), am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and have an Enhanced DBS.

Tutor Experience

I’m an experienced English and Drama tutor with over 20 years in education, specialising in GCSE and A‑level exam preparation. I support students who know the content but struggle to translate it into marks, helping them respond clearly, strategically and confidently under exam conditions.

My background as an English Lecturer and Curriculum Leader means I understand assessment from the inside and can break down mark schemes into clear, manageable steps. I help students organise their ideas clearly, develop effective exam technique, and feel more confident performing under pressure. I particularly enjoy working with students who are capable but lack confidence, and helping them realise they can do better than they think.

Who I work with:

English Language (GCSE)
Clear, structured support with AQA, OCR, Edexcel and WJEC/Eduqas exam papers, focusing on writing confidence, exam technique, planning and time management.

Drama & Theatre (GCSE & A‑level)
Focused support with written exams and coursework, including essays, reflective writing and exam preparation, helping students link performance choices to theory across AQA, OCR, Edexcel and WJEC/Eduqas.

Drama school applicants
Coaching for auditions, including monologue preparation, character work and interview confidence.

Admissions & personal statements (limited availability)
Support with entrance exams and personal statements, helping students present their strengths clearly and authentically.

Topic Expertise

English Language (GCSE & A‑Level)
* understanding what exam questions are really asking
* planning and structuring clear, focused responses
* improving exam technique, timing and confidence
* ensuring work meets the assessment brief and marking criteria

Drama: Exam Writing, Portfolios & Performance Feedback (GCSE & A‑Level)
* linking performance choices to practitioner theory
* structuring Working Notebooks and Reflective Reports
* writing clearly about performance using appropriate drama terminology
* ensuring work meets the assessment brief and marking criteria
For devised pieces, I give focused feedback on structure, clarity of ideas and whether the work is clearly evidenced — an area where marks are often lost.

Audition Preparation
* monologue selection and preparation
* character development
* vocal and physical presence
My approach helps students feel prepared, grounded and authentic, rather than over‑rehearsed.

Admissions
* guidance with personal statements and written applications
* support identifying strengths and shaping a clear, authentic narrative
* structuring ideas clearly and writing with confidence and purpose
This support is particularly helpful for students who who feel unsure how to 'sell themselves' despite strong academic ability.

Testimonials

Parent feedback (A‑level Drama)

"Karen is a wonderful lady and tutor. My son felt lighter after a lesson with Karen. She is empowering, holds space for brain storming ideas and generating techniques. She also is kind and has offered reflective phone calls following up on his recent mocks, regularly offers advice and recommendations on excellent resources and extra curriculum activities. Highly recommended." - Maria

Background Checks

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Qualifications

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
PGCHE - University of Sussex
MA - Theatre and Performance - Queen Mary, University London
Cambridge DELTA - Embassy, Brighton, 2010
BA (Hons) Theatre - Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama

Availability

WeekdaysWeekends
Morning
Afternoon
Evening