Robin is an Oxford English graduate and former Head of English (currently Head of Sixth Form) at an all girl independent school in the north of England. Prior to this he was Head of English at a large Sixth Form College in Greater Manchester. During his career before teaching he worked as a newspaper journalist and subeditor. As Head of Sixth Form he is responsible for all UCAS applications across all subjects and for supporting competitive course applications including those to Oxford and Cambridge.
Robin has a wide range of examining experience covering iGCSE and A level English and in recent years has been an examiner for Edexcel A Level English Language. As well as GCSE, iGCSE and A Level English he has also tutored successfully in the following areas: 13+ common entrance and sixth form entry tests, UCAS applications and personal statements, Oxbridge entry tests and interviews, Pre-U English Literature, undergraduate and postgraduate dissertation and extended essay submissions.
The approach he has always applied in the classroom and as a tutor follows two key principles:
• Giving clear instructions and guidance on answering technique so that the candidate knows exactly what to do to hit the required assessment objectives
• Ensuring all sessions are varied and interactive with as much positive tutor to pupil feedback as possible
In GCSE/iGCSE English Language he focuses on:
1) Ensuring the candidate understands how to answer each question on the paper so that it hits the very specific assessment criteria required by examiners.
2) Listing the specific terminology required and making the candidate knows how to apply it.
3) Setting out a clear structure for creative writing so that a candidate at all times knows ‘where to go’ and is never struggling for ideas or material.
In GCSE/iGCSE English Literature he focuses on:
1) Building a strong working knowledge of all texts and generating comprehensive revision notes.
2) Understanding how to produce analytical writing at paragraph level so that each and every paragraph addresses the question at the required level of detail and depth.
3) Giving clear guidance on answering techniques in more specialist areas such as poetry and unseen poetry.
At A level and above, Robin responds to the individual needs of the candidate and will vary his approach according to the topic required. He will always ensure a full discussion of the candidate’s needs prior to starting work so that together they can focus effectively on the key areas where the individual is seeking to improve.