Hello, I'm Heather Hawkins, English tutor, examiner and home educator of a young family member.
I have a lifelong interest in Literature and creative writing and spent many hours as a child reading and story writing. It was a natural progression for me to study literature at degree level, and I obtained a Diploma in Classical Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Literature from the Open University. Following this, I went on to study for a Master of Arts in Literature with The Open University, before embarking upon a PhD in English Literature with Nottingham Trent University.
I have a lifelong interest in Literature and creative writing and spent many hours as a child reading and story writing. It was a natural progression for me to study literature at degree level, and I obtained a Diploma in Classical Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Literature from the Open University. Following this, I went on to study for a Master of Arts in Literature with The Open University, before embarking upon a PhD in English Literature with Nottingham Trent University.
I bring the knowledge and skills I have gained through my own studies into the tutoring of my students. I have been a home educator since 2010 and an English tutor of A Level, GCSE and IGCSE, since 2015 and am familiar with the syllabi of the main exam boards including Cambridge, AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas. I can teach from Key Stage One through to A Level and also offer support to undergraduate students.
I am an enthusiastic, friendly tutor and build upon the individual strengths of my students to help them to gain the confidence to overcome any areas they find more difficult. I am pleased to accept SEN students and have experience tutoring students with a range of conditions including dyslexia, autism and manual problems.
I am an enthusiastic, friendly tutor and build upon the individual strengths of my students to help them to gain the confidence to overcome any areas they find more difficult. I am pleased to accept SEN students and have experience tutoring students with a range of conditions including dyslexia, autism and manual problems.
I have also been an examiner of Cambridge International Examinations IGCSE English since 2014, so am well placed to advise students on exam technique and the pitfalls to avoid in the exam. I have had a 100% pass rate with all my students achieving grades A*-C (9-4)
I also have experience with younger students. I have home educated a young family member through Key Stages 1, 2, and 3. I have a keen interest in literacy for younger children and I am a judge of BBC Radio 2 '500 Words' short story competition for children and a regular volunteer for The National Literacy Trust's 'Summer Reading Challenge' for 4-12 year olds.
Finally, I have a research interest in Thomas Hardy and have had numerous articles published in academic journals. I am also a Director of The Thomas Hardy Association, St Andrew's University. I enjoy creative writing when I have the time!
I am also the author of GCSE study guides.
I am DBS enhanced checked and have undertaken safeguarding training. I will be pleased to give references and proof of qualifications on request.
I also have experience with younger students. I have home educated a young family member through Key Stages 1, 2, and 3. I have a keen interest in literacy for younger children and I am a judge of BBC Radio 2 '500 Words' short story competition for children and a regular volunteer for The National Literacy Trust's 'Summer Reading Challenge' for 4-12 year olds.
Finally, I have a research interest in Thomas Hardy and have had numerous articles published in academic journals. I am also a Director of The Thomas Hardy Association, St Andrew's University. I enjoy creative writing when I have the time!
I am also the author of GCSE study guides.
I am DBS enhanced checked and have undertaken safeguarding training. I will be pleased to give references and proof of qualifications on request.