academic development

Subjects


English Language & Literature

KS3, KS4, GCSE, A-Level

University and UCAS Applications

English, History

Oxbridge Preparation

English

Oxbridge

University Admissions & UCAS Applications

Education & Relevant Experience


University of Oxford, UK

BA
  • English Language and Literature

2018 - 2021

Teaching Experience


I have been excited by teaching since a very young age. My favourite childhood game was (perhaps oddly) ‘Schools’ where I would encourage my sister to read, a skill she objected to practising at first. I continued to teach younger students during my time at school where I set up a Philosophy Club as my school did not teach the subject. I really enjoyed being able to facilitate thought-provoking discussions and explore the insightful thoughts my members offered. 

 From there, I went on to teach high school level students in A-Level English and University Entrance preparation at a first-class education centre. I find it very rewarding to encourage students to explore their own interests and unique ideas to get them excited about education. I was also integral to the creation of a new display at the Ashmoleon Museum in Oxford which encouraged BME and LGBTQ+ inclusivity by highlighting forgotten parts of history. In the same way, I feel I can confidently help individuals to think in new ways and am excited by the prospect of sparking a student’s curiosity in a subject they might not necessarily yet be passionate about. 

My teaching philosophy centres on the learner and their personal interests. While of course focusing on the prescribed course material, I like to dig further into my students’ passions to really engage and excite them about the material they are learning. I am a firm believer in the power of education so supporting the intellectual development of each individual student is my top priority. 

About Tara A


I moved a lot during my childhood, growing up in the UK, Italy, and the UAE. I moved to the UK again for higher education and was lucky enough to experience the vibrant city of Oxford. I love how in touch the city is with its history and how much opportunity there is for academic and political debate. 

Along this vein, I find raising awareness about the issues I’m passionate about very rewarding, which is why I ran for the college position of Women*’s Representative. Organising solidarity-building events like Women*’s dinners and raising money for issues such as period poverty has really helped me find my community and my passion, which is why I am now studying for a masters in Gender Studies. I believe education is the best way to both encourage tolerance and inclusivity, and help each learner realise their potential and their worth. 

Leading the Consent Workshops at my college also made me realise the importance of tailoring learning to each individual’s needs, especially because each of the incoming freshers had not been exposed to this sort of material or discussion before. Coaching cheerleading at university was another great way for me to employ these personalising skills as I had to aid athletes of many different levels and abilities. I think having good relationships with any learner is integral to the teaching process which is why I end up feeling so inspired by and proud of my students.