Qualifications: BSc (1st Class Hons) Psychology, PGCE (Primary) and Membership in the British Psychological Society
Teaching Experience: Qualified teacher since 1986 (38 years)
Role: Member (partner) of SDE (Tuition) LLP
Following my psychology degree and subsequent postgraduate qualification as a teacher, I initially worked in State schools as a primary teacher and then went to work in industry for NFER-NELSON (now known as GL Assessment, the 11+ test producer for both Bucks and Berks).
At NFER-NELSON I was employed as a Psychologist on the development of psychometric tests for children, where I was I was responsible for checking the validity of 50% of all the 11+ tests produced each year. I was also heavily involved in the development of tests such as the CAT (Cognitive Abilities Test, Version 2) and the BSTS (British Spelling Test Series). In addition, I designed and led professional training courses for Heads and teachers on how to use and interpret psychometric tests in schools.
Later on in my career, I worked for Anglia Ruskin University for a nine year period as a Trainer for Higher Level Teaching Assistants and Diploma Level courses for School Business Managers, Senior Leaders and Headteachers as well as being an Assessor on the Government’s Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) programme. During that time, I was independently commissioned to write, “More Verbal Reasoning Papers Y6” in the Success Assessment 11+ Papers series published by Letts.
I have tutored as part of SDE for several years with experience teaching both the Year 4 Foundation and the Year 5 Courses, as well as the intensive Summer 'Revision and Testing' Course. I have also been involved in writing many items for SDE's resources, including large numbers of 11+ exam questions.
My approach with SDE students is to get them to commit to giving a 100%, thus enabling them to grow in confidence and to realise just what they are capable of achieving when they really apply themselves to their studies. I firmly believe in the 11+ in that it can be the gateway to children who would naturally benefit from a more academic secondary school environment – this was my own personal experience as a child, growing up on a council estate in North East London. It is gratifying to now be able to help other children access the same opportunities afforded to me by passing my 11+. Having worked for Granada Learning on the development of the real 11+, I feel my knowledge can really benefit the students in the way I am able to deliver the SDE Courses and is also reflected in my ability to write relevant questions for the students to attempt.
Meet our tutors, experienced and qualified individuals dedicated to helping your child reach their full potential.
BA (Hons), PGCE
Kate has over 27 years' teaching experience. She taught for several years in a 'super selective' grammar school in London and in more recent years in two independent schools, including a local girls' prep school. As well as tutoring for SDE, Kate also holds the office-based position of SDE Teaching Resource Developer.
Teacher’s Certificate, BA (Hons)
Bob has over 40 years' teaching experience in Key Stages 1 to 4 in both the independent and state sector. He has significant experience tutoring students preparing for entrance exams and in more recent years at SDE, preparing Year 4 students for the subsequent Year 5 11+ Course and the 11+ exam.
CertEd, BEd
Malcolm has over 40 years' teaching experience, more than 20 years of which have involved preparing students for the 11+ exams, including as Head of Year 6 and then as Deputy Head of a leading local prep school.
BSc (Hons), MSc, PGCE
Niketa has 22 years' of classroom teaching experience in both the independent and state sector. Before completing her PGCE she obtained a degree in Biological Sciences and a Masters in International Management. During her career she has held the role of Assistant Headteacher.
B.Ed. (Hons)
Kim Lomax has over 25 years' teaching experience in primary education. She was a teacher at her most recent school for over 20 years before joining the SDE 11+ Tuition Centre (franchise) in Earley, Reading. In recent years she has focussed her efforts on teaching the 11+ curriculam in particular the entrance tests to Kendrick School and Reading School teaching both year 4 and year 5 students.
BA (Hons), MA, CertEd
Caroline has over 18 years of teaching experience. She has a BA in History and English, as well as a Masters in ISM. She is an experienced teacher of English as a Second Language. For SDE, she teaches the 11+ Foundation Course on weeknights at SDE Amersham and the Year 5 Course on Sundays at SDE Bushey.
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