Eleanor

I was born and brought up in London, and studied English at the University of Cambridge. I graduated in 2009 with a First, then, after a year gaining work experience at the BBC and Wylie Agency, I returned to Cambridge in 2010 to study for an MPhil in Renaissance Literature. I have always loved literature from all periods, genres and cultures, and am particularly fascinated by the poetry, prose and drama of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

After graduating from my Masters degree, I worked as an art director and script reader for film production companies. I have since been a freelance writer, editor and digital communications specialist for a range of clients, including the Melanie Klein Trust, the Institute of Psychoanalysis, a contemporary artist, and several charitable organisations. I have helped create and develop new websites, including producing original video and photography. I also do freelance editing and proofreading for fiction, non-fiction, and academic books.

One of the most important elements in successful learning is active, curious engagement with a subject, and I always make sure I get to know what a student enjoys, what they find difficult, and how they approach and organise their studies. I know from experience that, when you are interested in something, the work you put in is both less arduous and more satisfying, and you are far more likely to excel in coursework and exams.

I listen carefully to students, and am well practised at gauging how they learn and absorb information. I tailor my sessions to fit them and their learning styles, as this is the surest way for them to make progress. For example, where some students will be very verbal, others will think more visually, and want to map things out on the page.

Frequently, a lack of confidence is a major contributor to what holds students back, so I encourage my tutees to trust their own ideas, to push themselves beyond what they think they can do, and to take pride in the achievements and progress that they make. I am a friendly, engaging and very supportive tutor, committed to helping every student enjoy their studies and do their best work.

When I am not tutoring I do varied communications, writing and editing work, as outlined above. In my spare time I read a great deal, watch films, engage with art and music, and get out into open countryside whenever I have the chance!