BACKGROUND

An academic scholar of Fitzwilliam, Cambridge, Alanna was also awarded a University of Cambridge prize for excellence in Part II of the Tripos, and holds an M.Phil in Theology – Specialism: Holocaust philosophy and theology.

Alanna loves almost all sports, is particularly passionate about cold water swimming and also enjoys walking and being in nature more generally. In her spare time, she loves to cook and bake from her collection of 250 cookbooks. A qualified mental health first aider, Alanna has a keen interest in mental health and wellbeing.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE AND APPROACH

Alanna has seventeen years of experience as a Philosophy, Religious Studies, Critical Thinking and EPQ teacher at elite independent schools including Marlborough College, Benenden School and The King’s School, Canterbury. With over 8000 hours of teaching, tutoring and mentoring accrued, she is highly skilled at teaching all the main GCSE and A Level specifications, and also a longstanding Pre-U Philosophy and Theology examiner.

Alanna has also held posts including Head of Oxbridge applications, Head of Extended Project Qualification and head of co-curricular debating and has extensive experience of preparing candidates for Oxbridge interviews and mentoring UCAS applications and personal statements more widely. She has assisted numerous students with LNAT, BMAT (Section 1) and TSA (verbal reasoning) admissions tests, often enabling students to reach the threshold for interview, and regularly interviews prospective candidates for sixth form entry.

Alanna has tutored students online and in person in Religious Studies, Philosophy, Critical Thinking and university preparation at GCSE and A Level and has a particular interest in improving essay technique and building academic confidence. She believes that the ability to write clear, confidently argued essays is key to these subject specialisms and always works hard to equip students with the skills to do this. Alanna has created her own mnemonics to support essay technique, and these have been featured in the Reflective Project for the IB CP: Skills for Success book.

Alanna’s students typically go on to achieve A/A* grades, and many move from low predicted grades to top grades under her tuition.

As a highly skilled pastoral professional Alanna is well equipped to support neurodiverse students and those with mental health conditions. She is trained to safeguarding lead level and has completed extensive training in mental health, wellbeing and SEND. Currently completing an advanced educational coaching qualification, Alanna routinely uses coaching skills in sessions to unlock students’ natural abilities, boost motivation and bolster confidence, finding that using coaching techniques significantly improves students’ performance.

WHY TUTORING

My tutoring ethos is based around my belief that a happy young person will be a successful learner. I aspire for my classroom – whether real or virtual – to be a place where every student feels supported, encouraged, inspired and challenged in equal measure. I work hard to get to know my students and their learning styles well in order to provide a tailored, effective programme of study that meets their individual needs.

I am currently reading The Experience Machine: How Our Minds Predict and Shape Reality by Andy Clark.

TESTIMONIALS

“I just wanted to send the most enormous thank you from my heart for your support during the RS A-Level exam period. I mean it very honestly when I say I would not have managed to achieve an A* or get full marks in the DCT paper without you. Because of this I have also secured my place at Oxford … I am so, so grateful. You were there to answer a million last minute questions, mark papers, honestly you were one of the best tutors I’ve ever had!” (A Level Religious Studies)

“Alanna was a fabulous tutor: really knowledgeable with excellent resources which helped my son to be confident to undertake a new a level in a couple of months which is no mean feat. Always quick to respond and be flexible around my son’s mad schedule. Thanks so much!” (A Level Critical Thinking)

“You have been the best teacher I have ever had, and I am extremely grateful for all your help with interview practice and exams. Your willingness to constantly go above and beyond means that you have helped me achieve things I didn’t think I could and introduced me to a subject which, not matter the university I go to, I will continue to get enjoyment out of for the rest of my life.” (A Level Philosophy)

“Your enthusiasm made me love debating and your amazing teaching made me want to push myself to do as well as possible. I almost want to go back to Y12 and do it all over again.” (A Level Philosophy)