THE WEBSITE IS HAVING A MAKEOVER & SOME CONTENT IS UNAVAILABLE – PLEASE BEAR WITH ME WHILST I TINKER!
About me
Hi there, it’s lovely to meet you!
My name is Gemma and I am a tutor for primary school children and education content creator based in Dorset.
After graduating with a Zoology degree, I wasn’t sure what to do next, but wanted to take the opportunity to work overseas. I found myself travelling to Seoul, South Korea where I taught English to children and young people and ended up staying for two and a half years.
Rather unexpectedly, I found that I loved teaching, and decided to return to university in the UK for teacher training. I graduated in 2008 with a Primary PGCE (Professional Graduate Certificate in Education) and Qualified Teacher Status and loved the following years working as a classroom teacher across two very different SE London primary schools.
Around 2014, I became very unwell and after an extended period when I was unable to work, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I reluctantly decided to leave the classroom and focus on regaining my health.
Whilst not completely cured, I learned to manage my symptoms, and after a couple of years working with my creative side on a handmade business, I felt the magnetic pull of education tugging at me – but I know that being a classroom teacher would no longer work for me.
So, in 2018, Positive Primary Kids was born. I began offering private tuition to local children in Bournemouth, Dorset and soon started teaching online too – which became a necessity during the lockdowns!
Fast-forward to now, and I have relocated to Wimborne, Dorset, which is where I grew up. I work with children online, or in-person in my lovely purpose-built garden learning room, which is a stress-free, fun environment that is perfect for relaxed, hands-on learning.
When I’m not teaching or writing, I can usually be found walking my dog, reading or indulging in my favourite creative hobbies – attempting to play the ukulele, knitting or sewing clothes.
Book a free consultation
Interested in finding out more about tutoring for your child?
Arrange a free phone or video chat at a time that suits you so that we can talk about your child's individual needs and goals.
If there are no slots available or at a convenient time for you, please get in touch through my contact page or email gemma@positiveprimarykids.com . Let me know when works for you and I'll check my diary.
Teaching Philosophy
I believe whole-heartedly in meeting children where they are, rather than where they are ‘expected’ to be according to their age.
My teaching style is flexible, nurturing, encouraging, engaging and all too often a bit silly! Learning new things can be scary, so I work with children at their pace, building their confidence so that they feel safe to attempt tasks that are just outside their comfort zone – this is where learning happens!
I support children through individually tailored, accessible, multi-sensory learning activities, which often include their interests, so that they can make progress whilst having fun.
I never tire of seeing that lightbulb moment when something clicks and they finally ‘get it’!💡
Values
- Keeping learning Fun and Meaningful
- Cultivating Authentic Relationships
- Providing Individualised Support
- Championing Neurodiversity
- Committing to Accessibility and Inclusivity
- Respecting childhood
- Trust and Expertise
Gemma's Credentials in Brief
- Zoology & Animal Ecology BSc Degree from University of Wales, Bangor, 2003
- TEFL certified teacher, Seoul, South Korea 2003-2006
- Primary PGCE with QTS from London South Bank University, 2008
- Enhanced DBS certificate holder (updated annually)
- Established Positive Primary Kids 2018
Testimonials
Have I worked with your child?
Please consider leaving me a review! Testimonials and reviews are so important to small businesses and help us grow. I'd be grateful if you could take a few minutes to write one for me on either Google or Facebook (or both!) via the links below. Thank you!