ENGLISH GRINDS:
English is a difficult subject for many, it’s often abstract nature along with the sheer density of material covered can make it tough for students. The ability to confidently read and understand English is fundamental at almost every level of schooling and beyond.
Our tutors have the skills and experience to provide the student with the ability to overcome any difficulties they may be experiencing with their study of English at school.
Beginning with an initial assessment, we can quickly identify any ‘weak spots’ or gaps in expected knowledge and understanding, and work with the student to build a strong, confident understanding of all aspects of English study.
Last year Home Tutors helped numerous students achieve higher grades.
Primary level English:
Our home tutors mirror the English curriculum in that they offer an educational experience which integrates oral language, reading and writing.
Our tutors use talk and discussion with pupils to:
• Develop their ability to communicate and use language socially.
• Develop cognitive skills.
• Develop a wider range of vocabulary.
• Enrich their language experience and imaginative powers.
Our tutors also focus on developing reading and writing abilities, enabling children to:
• Read for pleasure and information.
• Learn to locate and use books for a variety of purposes.
• Develop the higher order comprehension skills.
• Learn to read for both functional and social purposes.
• Write clearly and expressively.
• Experience writing for a variety of purposes, for different audiences and in a range of genres.
• Develop a command of the convention of grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Develop the ability to self-correct their own writing through drafting, editing and redrafting.
Junior Certificate English:
Our tutors aim to help students, whether at ordinary or higher level, in the areas of:
• Personal writing.
• Chosen dramas and novels.
• Poetry.
• Reading and comprehension.
• Development of their grammatical and vocabulary range.
As school teachers use texts and materials to achieve the objectives of the syllabus, we tailor our tutoring accordingly. Teaching of language and literature should not be separate from one another. Our tutors aim for a unity to the student’s language experiences, so that language learning (e.g. spelling, grammar, punctuation, and so on) happens as a natural part of the student’s encounters with the whole range of texts suggested above.
Leaving Certificate English:
The content of the teaching reflects the fact that the syllabus is organised around the two general domains of comprehending and composing. Within these two domains students will be actively engaged in using language classified under five general headings;
• The language of information.
• The language of argument.
• The language of persuasion.
• The language of narration.
• The aesthetic use of language.
In addition, a range of literary texts is prescribed for study by the teacher at school and will be explored thoroughly in tutoring sessions. Students choose a single play for close study, two texts and a film to form a comparative study, and a course in poetry as set out in the list of prescribed texts. Our home tutors will ensure adequate attention is given to each of these as part of the learning programme.
Below are some useful resources for all your educational needs:
www.educate.ie (Education Material)
www.examinations.ie (State examination Commission)
www.usi.ie (Unions of Students Ireland)
www.schooldays.ie (Parenting Advice, Resources and Support)
www.gaelscoileanna.ie (Irish Language Resources)
www.ncca.ie (National Council for Curriculum and Assessment)
www.sess.ie (Special Education Support Service)
www.enableireland.ie (National Council for Special Education)
www.specialneedsparents.ie (Special Needs in Ireland)
www.education.ie (Department of Education and Skills)
www.qualifax.ie (Courses for Adults)
www.aontas.com (The National Adult Learning Organisation)