Steph

Academic History

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (accredited by UWE) Diploma in Professional Acting 2010-2012

University of Warwick MA, English Literature 2004-2006

University of Warwick BA (Hons), English and Theatre Studies, 2:1 2001-2004

United World College of South East Asia (Singapore) International Baccalaureate 1994-2001

(36 points; higher subjects: English, Theatre Arts, Business Studies), 9 GCSEs (A/A*)

About Me

I am an actor and, alongside that, have been tutoring for over 13 years in academic subjects including English Language, Literature, Drama and Theatre Studies. I provide specialist support for the GCSE years, as well as having worked with students for 11+, 13+, A Level, I.B. and Degree Level examinations. I also prepare students for LAMDA exams, drama school auditions and a range of additional areas such as presenting, reading, confidence and public speaking. My approach is about instilling confidence and a passion for the subject, so that the student approaches the subject with positivity, not fear. I am an advocate of working smarter not harder and ensure that work loads are managed effectively in conjunction with the students’ other commitments.

Recent tuition

Many of my students have been those that need some additional motivation and focus to guide them through their examinations. The GCSEs (in fact most exams) can seem overwhelming, but with the right approach and attitude, I can support a student to bring the various ‘strands’ together and help them to reach their potential.

Two of my latest GCSE English students went to the same school, had recent ADHD diagnoses and were struggling through their final year. Despite these similarities, they couldn’t have been more different, and I worked with each in different ways to realise their specific goals. One needed planned and organised lessons, set out in advance, so they could see what they were working towards. The other found that approach overwhelming and instead needed to feel more spontaneous in what we tackled, with the sessions dictated by mood and energy levels on the day. With both, I tried to infuse my signature approach of passion and confidence building to allow them to feel in control and capable of what was expected of them. They both came out of the exams leaving me excited voice notes about how well they felt they did, and one even confessed to having enjoyed the exam!

Alongside GCSE support, I have experience in tutoring English for the 11+ examinations and have assisted students to (successfully) gain entry to the following schools: Haberdashers’ School for Boys, City of London School, Northbridge Girls, Highgate, St Paul’s, Channing Girls, Merchant Taylors, Westminster Under.

I am also currently working with a student in her final year of the I.B., supporting her across English, History, Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and her Personal Statement for University applications. Further, I have a number of LAMDA students embarking on Verse and Prose and Acting examinations, ranging in age from 6 (Grade 1 Verse and Prose) to 15 (Grade 8 Acting).

My students are currently residing all over the UK, Malaysia, Singapore, Italy and Spain.

Hobbies and Interests

Born in Singapore, well travelled from early age.  Adore travelling, reading, cooking, theatre, films, discovering the hidden gems of London. Basic knowledge of French and German (father is German).

Testimonials

“We have been incredibly lucky to have Stephanie as the English and LAMDA tutor for our two children over the past four years. Her dedication, expertise, and passion for teaching and her vibrant personality and engaging teaching style have made a huge difference in their learning.

Stephanie’s lessons are always full of creativity and energy, encouraging them to express themselves with confidence and joy. They’ve developed remarkable skills in public speaking and performance, thanks to her inspiring approach. We are thrilled that our daughter received a distinction in her latest Grade 5 LAMDA exam.

In addition to LAMDA, Stephanie has prepared our children for 11+ exams and private school interviews with care and detail. Her personalised coaching boosted their confidence and equipped them with the skills to excel in these meetings.

What sets Stephanie apart is not just her focus on preparing them for exams but her genuine care that they understand and enjoy the subject. Her enthusiasm for teaching makes learning a truly enjoyable experience. Our children have always enjoyed their lessons and have developed more appreciation for the subjects she teaches.

We can’t recommend Stephanie enough for anyone looking for a fantastic, dedicated tutor who brings learning to life.”

Parent of 11+, English and LAMDA students

“Stephanie has tutored my daughter, R, over many years. Firstly, ensuring she did well in her GCSEs where she helped with all essay writing as well as English Literature and English Language. R exceeded her predicted grades and then Steph also helped her with her A levels. R is not very academic but, with Steph’s assistance, went on to get into Central St Martins University and, with more tutoring, achieved a 2:1. Stephanie is obviously a very smart woman and an excellent tutor but I think the things that set her apart from other tutors we tried are her unflagging energy and enthusiasm plus her ability to tailor the lessons to suit a child (then young woman) to whom essay writing did not come naturally. We tried a number of tutors and it was only Steph who managed to keep R engaged and found a way into subjects and ways of writing for her. I cannot recommend Steph highly enough – her tutoring sessions were worth every penny. She took a child on the verge of dropping out and helped her achieve a good degree from a top university!”

Parent of GCSE and A Level student

“Stephanie has been my 17 year old daughter English tutor for four years now. They meet weekly on zoom we have had a wonderful experience with her. Stephanie is a great teacher, making each lesson exciting and stimulating. Sharing my daughter’s passion for theatre and musicals they work together in much more than  English subject. They work together on my daughter’s written assignments on a variety of subjects and her work has continued to improve under Stephanie’s help and guidance. My daughter is always happy to have a lesson with Stephanie.

I also really appreciate her positive approach and her flexibility to our constant schedule changes.  She is wonderful to deal with.”

Parent of English student