GCSE English Language GCSE English Literature A-level Literature Key Stage 3 English Functional Skills English Creative Writing
What our students say about us...
"Lessons have been memorable thanks to your great ideas and sense of humour. I now have the confidence to approach the top levels. You are an amazing teacher. Thanks you for everything!"
Layla B
"Thank you for bringing such a lively atmosphere to lessons, for being understanding and making learning fun. I'll never forget your unique way of teaching."
Tanaka M
"Thank you for making learning about English Literature fun and creating the space for me to openly express myself in a comforting environment."
Jennifer O
"Thank you for making English something I can actually understand and always making me laugh. Learning won't be the same without you"
Jessica J
"I really appreciate you always giving me as much support and feedback as i needed. Thank you for everything."
Henrietta A
"Thanks for all your efforts and dedication to my learning. You helped me achieve a very clear understanding."
Arman L
Upgrade Tutoring by the numbers...
Rob Sanders
Tracy Sanders
ABOUT
Founders, Rob and Tracy Sanders, have over 55 years of teaching experience between them. They have run highly successful secondary school English departments, raising standards and improving the lives of thousands of young people. They favour high expectations in terms of effort and behaviour, learning as a fun and innovative experience and the encouragement of academic independence. As an example of the immediate impact of such methods, during their first year in charge of an English department they improved the GCSE English Language Level 4-9 and above passes in their school by 20% (the 'old' C grade → A*). Their department merited verbal praise from Ofsted as an 'Outstanding' feature of an otherwise 'Good' school. Their inspector-observed English lessons were described as "fabulous" and "very impressive". Rob and Tracy like to make a difference. That is what UPGRADE TUTORING is all about. Rather than seeking office-bound management responsibilities within a single school, they wanted to expand outwards and continue actually teaching - working directly with young people, because that is their passion and where the real difference is made. Beyond his work as an English teacher, Rob is also the author of twelve novels, as well as numerous anthologised short stories, novellas, audio dramas, computer games and comics. His poetry has been short listed in national contests. His fiction has won national writing competitions, been featured on the BBC and appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list.
How Upgrade Tutoring can help you
The Problem
Your child needs assistance in meeting their English target grade or would benefit from extra help to maximise their potential.
Perhaps your child struggles with motivation or organisation. Perhaps they suffer from struggles at school like disengagement, English teacher absence or lesson disruption. Perhaps they would simply benefit from extra support or a boost of self-confidence.
The Solution
UPGRADE TUTORING offers targeted intervention that can level the playing field.
Tutoring sessions will help to build confidence in the subject, identify and plug gaps in essential knowledge while also developing the English skills required to perform well in examinations.
How?
EASY TO ACCESS
-All you need for online tutoring is a computer, laptop, tablet or phone. They all have cameras, speakers and microphones built in.
EASY TO USE
-We use Google Meet for our sessions. Our students find it easy to use. You already have Google Meet if you have a Gmail account, which most people do. Otherwise it is a free app downloaded from the App Store on a tablet or phone.
HASSLE FREE & FAIRLY PRICED
-Our parents find it most convenient to pay by bank transfer for blocks of 1 hour sessions by arrangement.
Upgrade Pathways to Success
A small group. One tutor. Students with similar needs, working dynamically with the tutor to make progress. The group uses common texts and materials, developing skills together. Sessions still allow for differentiation and personalised approaches but also benefit from collaboration and group dynamics. They encourage the free flow of ideas, with students growing in confidence and building upon each others' understanding. Group sessions would suit any student but are particularly fitting for students who need help reaching or exceeding their GCSE target grade or developing their English skills at KS3 in order to render this unnecessary.
Sessions contain a maximum of 5-6 students of similar need.
One student. One tutor. The classic tutoring experience and set up, with the needs of an individual student receiving the sole attention of the tutor. This means that sessions can be an increasingly bespoke experience, tailored more to the specific needs of the student. One-to-One sessions would suit any GCSE or KS3 student wishing to make accelerated progress. They are particularly fitting for high ability students, students with Special Educational Needs (SEND) and students who speak English as an Additional Language (EAL).
A-level English Literature students work with very specific texts and at an advanced level. Their responses need more individual, detailed and involved work within the session. As with regular One-to-One sessions, the needs of an individual student receive the sole attention of the tutor. This means that sessions can be an increasingly bespoke experience, tailored more to the specific needs of the student.
Insights
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Parents worry about their children. They worry about their present state of mind and their future prospects. An issue that affects both is...