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Online English Language Tutor Karen

Karen

Karen

Drama & English MA Theatre & Performance

$64/hr

GCSE & A‑Level English and Drama Tutor
PGCertHE | Cambridge AS & A Level English Language Assessor

Karen1 classes

Queen Mary, University of London - Drama & English - MA Theatre & Performance

GCSE & A‑Level English and Drama Tutor
PGCertHE | Cambridge AS & A Level English Language Assessor

Recent Students: 1
Total Hours: 1
Last Online:
All-time Students: 1
Total Classes: 1
Signed Up:
Recent Students: 1Total Hours: 1Last Online:
All-time Students: 1Total Classes: 1Signed Up:

About Me

I trained at Rose Bruford College and hold a BA in Acting alongside an MA in Theatre & Performance from Queen Mary University of London. I later moved into education and have spent over 20 years teaching English and Academic Skills supporting teenage and pre‑university students across a range of abilities and pathways.

I am based in Brighton and remain creatively active as an actor and singer, performing as a soloist and working on recording projects. This ongoing professional practice keeps my teaching grounded, relevant and closely connected to the realities of performance, interpretation and creative expression — particularly valuable for Drama and Literature students.

Alongside my degrees, I hold:

- PGCertHE
- Cambridge DELTA (Diploma in English Language Teaching)
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
- Cambridge AS & A Level English Language Examiner
- City & Guilds Functional English Associate Examiner
- Enhanced DBS

I am experienced in working with students who feel anxious, overwhelmed or unsure how to improve, and I aim to create a supportive learning environment where expectations are clear and progress feels achievable.

Tutor Experience

I’m an English and Drama tutor with over 20 years' experience in education, specialising in GCSE and A‑level exam preparation. I work particularly with students who understand the content but struggle to translate their knowledge 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. I can break down mark schemes into clear, manageable steps, supporting students with essay structure, textual analysis and exam technique. I particularly enjoy working with capable students who lack confidence, and helping them realise they can achieve more than they think.

Who I work with:

English Language (GCSE & A‑level)
Clear, structured support with AQA, & Edexcel, focusing on essay planning, textual analysis, use of evidence, exam technique and time management.

Drama & Theatre (GCSE & A‑level)
Focused support with written exams and coursework, including essays, reflective writing and exam preparation. I help students link performance choices to theory, supporting clear, well‑structured written responses.

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, confidently and authentically.

Topic Expertise

English Language & English Literature (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

My support focuses on helping students turn ideas into marks, rather than memorising content or model answers.

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 work, I give focused feedback on structure, clarity of ideas and quality of evidence — areas 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

Verified

Qualifications

MA Theatre and Performance - Queen Mary University of London
BA (Hons) Theatre - Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama
Cambridge DELTA (Diploma in English Language Teaching)
Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
Cambridge AS & A Level English Language Examiner
City & Guilds Functional English Associate Examiner

Availability

WeekdaysWeekends
Morning
Afternoon
Evening