English With Leonie

I'm still here but very busy marking GCSE papers.

I know it means I will not be as visible on social media but I believe marking GCSEs is vital to my work - it helps me reflect on how to make my tuition even better and means that I can accurately assess what level a student is working at.

Having said that, I am already starting to book up for September so do message me if you want to secure a slot.

I'll be looking at my group offerings soon too so if you want tuition at a more affordable price, a group slot may be better for you.

Ready to welcome three students for a small group session tomorrow.

Over the summer, I'll be ensuring my tutoring room is ready for new students and would love your suggestions to make it as welcoming and inclusive as possible. I've already ordered some new chairs that should be more comfortable.

In the tutoring room (maybe I need a new name for it), you can:

-sit on the sofa and work if you prefer
-have access to a variety of sensory aids (or bring your own)
-bring as many snacks as you like
-access a bathroom that can be locked
-have a parent stay if you prefer (if your session is a 121 session)
-have a weighted, heated or cooling blanket or even a vibrating cushion
-have calming music and lights if this works for you

Let me know if there is anything that you would expect or love to see in room where your child is learning.

I've been working with an amazing student this year as she has prepared to sit her functional skills in English. Today we had our last session. I'm always a little sad when I know it is our last session but I know this student will go on to do amazing things.

We hear so much about GCSEs but functional skills offers another route to learn the skills you need.

I never expect gifts but it is always nice to get a card or thank-you message.

If you have a child who may need access arrangements or reasonable adjustments during exams, it is important to ensure these are arranged and put in place as soon as possible.

And even more important is that the access arrangement applied actually helps your child. I see many students for example given extra time when this may not always help - often rest breaks are more helpful. It all depends on the individual child.

In my previous role with an exam board, I applied various access arrangements and reasonable adjustments (from scribes through to students having access to a trampoline to bounce during a rest break). The right arrangement can make the biggest difference.

But...any arrangements must be put in place as as soon as possible. Don't be surprised if you ask the school a week before exams and they are reluctant to apply an arrangement. Schools have to tell exam boards that this is the student's usual way of working.

So if your child is in year 10 and don't have the arrangements in place, speak to your school now! Students often need to get used to the arrangements too.

JQC guidance on access arrangements and reasonable adjustments is attached.

https://www.jcq.org.uk/knowledge-hub/adjustments-for-candidates-with-disabilities-and-learning-difficulties/

Image created by AI

Well, I have just taught the last of tuition sessions for this year's GCSE students. Every student I have taught this year has worked incredibly hard and I know that they are going to get a fantastic set of results in August. For now, I am examining and then will likely have a break with my own children over the summer.

Details of new one-to-one and group slots will be released soon. In the meantime, if you would like to be added to the wait list, please pop me a message.