Xanthi

Academic History

University of Leeds & University of Western Ontario, Canada (2007-2011): BA Philosophy (International): First Class

Camden School for Girls (2005-2007) – A Level: Maths (A), Physics (A), Philosophy (A) and AS Level: Further Maths (A)

GCSEs: Maths (A*), English (A*), English Literature (A), Biology (A), Chemistry (A), Physics (A), Design & Technology (A*), French (A*), History (A*), Drama (A*), Additional Maths (A)

City of London School for Girls (2000-2005), Worshipful Company of Shipwrights Inchcape Scholarship, Arkwright Scholarship

About Me

I am an experienced tutor with an interest in finding each student’s unique interests, motivations and learning style. I enjoy working with both enthusiastic and reluctant learners and my aim is always to ignite curiosity and passion for the subject. I tutor Maths, English and Science from KS1 to GCSE and have proven success working with high-achieving students and those who have become disillusioned with learning. I have a passion for the magic and wonder of Science and Maths – both in their pure and applied forms – which I love to share with students.

I am also a published author and creative writing practitioner which gives me a unique approach when teaching writing and essay skills. I encourage each student to find their own voice and style when writing, and to build confidence in their intuitive response to texts.

I have pre-clinical training as a child psychotherapist as well as several years working pastorally in both mainstream and special education, providing mentoring and therapeutic interventions. This background underlies my approach which is nurturing and child-centred. I have experience working with autistic and ADHD students and take a neurodiversity-affirming approach, valuing each individual’s strengths and tailoring support to their unique challenges.

Recent Tuition

Creative Writing

This student, 9, attended the Ministry of Stories for a story-making workshop but initially would not pick up a pencil. She insisted she couldn’t write and didn’t like the story. I asked her lots of questions about what kind of stories she liked and discovered that she was discouraged by the story’s main character (chosen by the whole group) who she found uninspiring. I asked her how she could get rid of him and she laughed. Then proceeded to write two pages on his downfall. She was chosen to read her story to the group and asked for extra pages to complete her story at home.

Common Entrance – Science, Maths and English

This student, 11, was a high achiever in school but had scored only average in mock-SAT tests. Through talking to him, I learned that he found the exam conditions nerve-wracking and felt unable to think. I gave him weekly short tests under exam-conditions so that he grew used to working on his own with a time limit. He eventually achieved a grade 6 in Maths and 5 in both Science and English.

Common Entrance –  Maths, English and Science

Weekly sessions in preparation for Highgate common entrance exams. This student, 13, is an intelligent student who makes careless mistakes and struggles with concentration. His average grade in mock exams went from 63 to 78%.

Common Entrance – Maths and Science

Intensive sessions over Easter in preparation for Eton, Tonbridge and St Paul’s common entrance. This student struggled with exam technique and multi-step questions. We focused on algebra and constructing verbal answers.

Common Entrance – Maths and English

Weekly sessions in preparation for North Bridge House entrance exams, concentrating on algebra, spelling and tackling verbal Maths questions. He has since gained a scholarship.

GCSE Maths

A residential placement with a high-achieving student aiming for Level 9. We worked through exam papers looking both at checking techniques and avoiding careless errors. We worked through multiple challenge questions and planned approaches to multi-step questions where lateral thinking was required. We also worked on breathing techniques and mindfulness to help the student cope with exam stress and anxiety.

GCSE English Literature and Language.

Weekly tuition for a year 11 student with ADHD. I worked to find a way into the texts for this student who found them inaccessible and dull. We spent time discussing the emotions and human drama of the texts and finding what was interesting to the student, as well as encouraging him to explore his unique reactions to the characters and story. We also worked on ADHD-friendly revision techniques that allowed him to feel more confident and autonomous in his learning. He gained level 8 in English Literature and level 9 in English Language after being predicted level 5 for both.

GCSE Maths and Science

This student struggled a great deal with motivation in these subjects as he saw himself more as an Arts student. Through finding ways for him to become excited about the subjects, over the year, there have been big improvements. In school, he had a problem concentrating, so each week we went over in detail the topics he had covered in class to ensure he did not fall behind. We also looked at ways of making the science subjects relevant to him, which both inspired him and helped him to remember each topic. He gained level 8 for Maths and 7s for Combined Science.

GCSE Maths

I am sole teacher for a Year 11 homeschooled pupil, out of school due to mental health challenges. I have been responsible for drawing up the Scheme or Work and planning all lessons, introducing past papers and exam style questions as appropriate. With this student, we are working on confidence and self-esteem in addition to core content. She is a very able student but regularly doubts her own ability and struggles to work independently. She achieved a B grade.

SEN GCSE Maths and Science

This student was unable to attend school due to complex physical and mental health problems. I homeschooled her in Maths and Science for one year, working towards Foundation GCSE. She was extremely anxious and had difficulties concentrating and retaining information. We used repetition, flashcards, games and experimental learning as well as exercises to help her manage her anxiety in exams. She has since attained both GCSEs and started to attend college.

SEN Year 8/9 Home schooling

A year 9 student whose placement at three different schools had broken down due to behaviour and concentration difficulties. He was then diagnosed as autistic with ADHD. I taught him Maths, English and Science four days a week for two terms, preparing him for a managed move to another mainstream school. He struggled with concentration and organisation so I developed several strategies to make the lessons manageable and enable him to work independently. I planned lessons around his special interests and used a low-demand approach to ensure he retained autonomy and began to see himself as a learner again. His placement at the new school was successful and I continued to meet him for weekly mentoring to support his homework, revision and study skills.

SEN Year 10 Maths and Mentoring

Maths and mentoring sessions for student with anxiety and depression. Student dropped out of school due to severe depression and had difficulties with short term memory and processing. She is very anxious and this prevents her attending school or completing work independently. A central aim is to restore her confidence so she can rediscover the joy in learning.

Hobbies and Interests

In my spare time, I am a writer and illustrator whose fiction has appeared online and in print. I have also written features and reviews for lifestyle and general interest magazines.

Client Testimonials

“Xanthi is doing an excellent job. My son really likes her and is responding extremely well to her teaching style. I’ve been very impressed by how much ground they cover in an hour.. excellent!”

Father of Maths and English student, age 6

“I recommend Xanthi very, very warmly.”

Parent of homeschool SEN student

“Xanthi helped our two completely different sons hugely with their English Lit and Lang GCSEs. She adapted completely to each of their different learning styles and allowed our ADHD/OCD son to excel in his exams despite overwhelm and years of feeling left behind.”

“Our daughter hated maths until she started working with Xanthi. She’s been amazing! Our daughter is always happy to see her. She’s an all-round lovely person and role model.”

Parent of GCSE Maths student with anxiety and dyslexia